It's odd but I've never had a situation escalate because of use of a weapon. I don't know why people who don't carry assume that those who do will pull a gun if you look at them funny. I have however had people attempt to run me over going so far as to come up on a curb after me then follow me and wait for me to leave so they could attempt it again. (this is why I carry mace now) have been attacked by dogs, and plan on riding in places with bears and other wild animals. I'm afraid that using wit and words to talk my way out of a confrontation with a charging black or grizz just won't work. So I'll stick with the .357 if I may. The 12 guage comes apart and fits nicely in my large hiking pack. I simply wanted to go duck hunting last year so took a cheapy mountain bike up to the lake by my house, scored a couple malards and went home not a bad way to spend the day imho.