didn't read the whole thread, but this is why my .40 clock (**edit...GLOCK**) is nicknamed "the equalizer"

a few years back, the girl i was dating at the time & i were walking back to my car across a sorta dark parking lot. i heard 4 guys come up behind us & mumbling to each other. i turned around, put my hand on my then clearly noticble gun & asked "can i help you w/ something?"....they turned & ran.