According to DOJ crime statistics, guns are used somewhere between 235,700 and 2,500,000 times per year to stop crimes, 98% of the time without a shot being fired.
In other words, a .22 is as good as a Howitzer 98% of the time.
Source: GunFacts.info
https://www.gunfacts.info/pdfs/gun-facts/7.0/gun-facts-7.0-screen.pdf
I’m 72. Twice I had to produce a weapon. And never had to use it. The first threat ended when I stepped into the closet and loaded a 20 gauge shotgun. Breach closed, threats vanished as quick as a covey of quail. (I was in college)
2nd time, Had driver try to run me off the highway when I was trying to pass him on open road, middle of nowhere, at 4:30AM. First time thought it was accident, 2nd time he tried I loaded the 9mm and set it on the dashboard, 3rd time (he was slowing down) I lowered the passenger window and aimed the 9mm Auto directly at the driver. Boom, it hit him. No I did not shoot him, he realized he was in trouble and hit brakes like he had a drag shute. End of treat.
Yes, you are right, most times simply producing a weapon ends it. But never produce one if you are not willing to actually use it.
I don’t look for trouble. But will protect myself.
Well, those stats sure go against the “If you pull your gun you need to shoot” threads.