I actually never got the Browning out. I kept it in a Browning rug which came with the gun. As soon as I reached down for it, they knew what was going on and one of them yelled that I had a gun.
My date told me that we would have never made it if I had not had the gun.
After the event, I realized I might have done a few things wrong. The window was rolled down and the door unlocked. If they had really been determined, they would have gotten to me before I could have gotten the gun out of the rug. I probably should have hit the lock then rolled up the window then gone for the gun but it all worked out for the best.
Most of the time they’ll avoid you if they know you are prepared to defend yourself. They’re looking for easy defenseless prey.
Besides they didn’t know how long it would take you to get the gun.
>>If they had really been determined, they would have gotten to me before I could have gotten the gun out of the rug.<<
Fire a couple of shots through the rug, then take it out and aim properly.
Carrying a handgun in a purse or pouch doesn’t mean you must remove it before you fire your first shot. At night I am a fan of leaving your muzzle covered because it saves your night vision.