Let's see what we know about the gun nuts.

First, they are paranoid, sure they are going to be subjected to violence. Since they are sort of "puny" people, projecting weakness, they paranoia may have some truth to it.

Second, they don't feel capable of handling stressful situations with their own resources.

Third, they have very, very rich fantasy lives. They endlessly fantasize situations where they are heroes, charging in on their white horse, saving everyone because of their preparation. They fantasize pulling the gun, shooting someone, calmly blowing the smoke from their barrel. Fantasize Rambo, people are objects, and nothing ever happens to them. Gone from puny to invulnerable.

And then they get recognition, adulation, something they just don't receive normally.

These folks ALWAYS say they don't go looking for trouble, but don't run from it if it comes their way.

Knowing how rich is the fantasy life, considering the content of this fantasy life, would you turn your back on this person?

I wouldn't. Let me tell you what would happen, if I had any inclination he was armed.

If he moved his hands toward his waist, the first thing that would happen is that he'd very rapidly get a very badly damaged knee, the force preferably coming from the side, but straight on is OK. Either knee. Fast and hard, with complete commitment to disabling this person.

Then he'd get a broken arm, preferably the right arm. It would either be stomped or kicked if it's up in the air.

The first part would take about 1.5 seconds. And the second about 2.

And if you had to, break the other arm. Take your time on that one, he's going to be busy wondering what happened to his knee, other arm. Call it self-defense, he was pulling a gun. You could stomp his face, but by now he's incapacitated, can't justify it as self-defense.

Or, walk away. If he's not armed you can do it safely.

Nope, the people who need to carry guns are cowards, and never corner a coward. Take 'em out first and fast.

Do guns breed violence? Yep, they make it inevitable.

Arf