While I’m thinking about it, if you do decide to get a weapon for self-defense, get the proper training to use it.  And take a refresher course periodically.  And practice using the weapon safely.  I don’t mean just practice shooting, although that is imperative.  (You have no idea how hard it is to hit something in the dark when it is moving and you have a massive adrenaline rush.)

What I’m talking about is practicing other things:  like where to point the weapon, how to decide “friend or foe”, where your companions are/will be, etc. etc.  If you don’t practice this stuff you will make a mistake–and it could be costly.  So practice, practice, practice.  And never forget to think!