@Dove you & others have a total misconception what 'self-defense' actually means. it doesnt necessarily mean hand to hand combat. Actually you folks have been watching way too many Chuck Norris Bruce Lee movies.
Self defence means avoiding conflict if at all possible but if there is a fight then avoiding physical contact if at all possible. Ie -dodging a punch. Getting out of the way of a charging assailant. Preventing or blocking a punch. Ducking a bullet. Even running from a fight.
Yknow Dove Ive actually been in fights and it was using my head that saved me. Being able to anticipate my opponent's next move. Plus I have superior reflexes. Fast and quick thinking will actually save you in any fight before brute power.
Remember that Indinapolis shooter outsidr Fedex? Some pipsqueak kid outgunned a guy who challenged him.
Merely ducking behind a vehicle might have saved him. But he probably stood up and exposed himself to gunfire. No gun could save him because he didnt use his effing head.
So thats how I would approach gun training. Learn countetterrorism techniques too along with self defense techniques. Thats why I think guns alone wont save a person in a fight. They might but directly engaging an opponent will probably increase the risk not reduce it.