Guns aren't the only method of defending one's self, Karpinski.  ADN covered a story about a thirty-something year old Asian woman who managed to disarm a female robber that came into her store and wielded a gun and a knife at her.  The Asian woman had a gun within arm's reach but chose not to use it.  Instead she engaged in hand-to-hand combat.  The Asian woman kept her head, fought the assailant, and still had time to call the police.  The assailant was arrested.  There's been similar incidents.