Yep. I think he was willing to take a beating - he knew the cops were on the way. But he wasn't willing to have his own weapon turned on him.
It is quite amazing, that the general public has been led to the conclusion that Zimmerman is a sort of thug. Out hunting prey, taking an opportunity to initiate force, etc.
The press is despicable. Usually, their mistakes can be taken as "funny" in a sense. Not this one. This isn't funny, at all. I'd have to restrain myself from spitting on Stepanopolis, Blitzer, Grace, Shepherd, et al if I saw them in public.
My impression of George Zimmerman from all the accounts I have seen is that the last thing he would want to do is shoot someone. He seems like a rather soft-hearted person to me. He tutors children he helps neighbors he watches out for them. His apparent restraint fits.