one night i got involved in a drunken conflict. i remembered about my knife but did not at all consider pulling it out. if i had, the outcome wouldve been bad.. .for either, or maybe both, of us.... none of which would have been favorable. im glad i had restraint. im more glad that he did not have a knife... but im most glad that he did not have a gun...
What you had was good judgement which is what anyone who carries a firearm must have.
In any event, a weapon is not something you draw out in a drunken brawl or a fair fight just to get an upper hand. A weapon is solely for the purpose of defending your life when confronted with equal or superior force. If you are confronted by someone who has the ability and shows intent to kill or cripple you then that is the only time the consideration of deadly force should come into play. Many of us might joke about guns but the act of drawing on someone is a seriuos matter. Only to be considered if in fear of your life or the life of someone close to you.
An old phrase puts it into perspective...
"I would rather be judged by twelve for acting in self defense than be carried by 6 on my way to the grave"