“...folks trained properly in the use of arms don’t necessarily shoot to kill.”
That is what you tell the judge. In a gunfight you must intend to kill, because bullets are no guarantee of disabling injury. And if they are armed, you likely lose fast, even if they lose slow. This is one reason why I always carry a knife as a complement to a gun.
And, you NEVER say you weren’t if fear for your life. EVER! I knew of an honest guy who didn’t follow that rule and ended up in the big house because of it.