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I agree with barstoolguru and wanted to expand on it a little bit. Not only is a pistol not the only possible weapon, but using it is not always the correct response. There is an old saying that if your only tool is a hammer, pretty soon all of your problems look like nails. Take this to heart and think of different tools and responses to problems.

For example, in most cases, the threats in a public pool area would probably not justify (personally - not legally) a shooting response. Getting out of the area might be the better response. In the case of something that is close in, maybe a knife might be the better response. The threat would be close but the answer might be very similar. In some cases, just shouting and drawing attention (like they teach the kids to yell stranger danger or similar) might be the most correct response.

One of the ways to improve your tactics is to think of possible realistic threats and how you would react. This will also help you decide what is a real threat and what is so far out that it is paranoia, and the same with responses. For example, a robbery is a real potential threat, but a zombie attack is not likely (except for Florida these days ). One gun is normal, and a backup is good preparation. I knew an officer who carried four guns on his person and had two or three more in his car while on patrol. I thought he might have crossed that fine line between preparation and paranoia.