NcongruNt wrote: Disparity of force (3 on 1), blows to the head, kicking while down, and bodyslamming all qualify as deadly force, in my opinion. As I understand your situation, I'd have no problem drawing on 3 guys making advances towards me immediately after one of them physically assaulted me. Your window of opportunity appears to have been at that specific point. Likely, drawing on them would have warded off further attack. If they advance on you once you've drawn, it's quite obvious that they've got some serious intent to harm you (and possibly your wife).
a 3 on 1 physical assault definitely qualifies as deadly force. Even a 1 on 1 attack could be considered deadly force if you were being assaulted and kicked on the ground. Any specific blow to the head could have significant repercussions, such as brain damage. Anytime you're getting assaulted, I don't think it's necessary for you to think, "I'll wait until this seems like it may become deadly" before you draw and defend yourself. Remember, oftentimes the act of drawing stops the threat immediately, without any shots being fired. Anyways, glad to hear you are OK (and at least you got a couple good licks in)