Question 1: Can't tell in advance. There are no guarantees. Some people do everything right, and it still comes out wrong. But I have been taught, and believe, that immediate violent action beats standing around waiting to see if the other guy is going to let you live or not.ClarkLZeuss wrote:
1. ... And: would it have worked?...
2. "Does the gun indeed provide a much-needed layer of security in a dangerous city, or does it merely provide the perception of security?"
Q 2: If all you do is buy a gun and stick it in your pocket, then yes one is probably operating under an illusion. Get good training from decent professionals like Farnam, Suarez, etc. Practice. That will also answer a lot of your other questions. Really, if you wondering how you would handle this, go get the training. Having obtained and practiced some basic skills will help you think through and see what is possible.
Even without professional training, there are lots of (news) stories of people of defending themselves with guns. The vast majority come out OK for the good guy. Some do not come out well at all. Again, no guarantees. I find it hard to believe that all of those people spent the time and money to get professional training and practice every week. Apparently there is a lot ot be said for seizing the initiative and following through.
Lott cites a study of robbery/mugging attempts reported to the FBI in the late 90s. People who fought back by any means, including merely screaming, suffered fewer injuries than those who did nothing. Those who fought back with guns suffered the fewest injuries of all. Again, these are odds from all encounters, no guarantee your specific situation will come out the same way.
I find little merit in the argument "it's just money" or "it's just property," when someone is pointing a gun at me. It's not about money or property, it is about my life, and to the best of my ability I am not going to surrender the decision of whether I live or not to some thug.