Just remember, like a gun, you don't pull it out unless you are willing to use it. Can you take another man's life?
I was speaking to some friends who are border agents. There were talking about how for many of them it wasn't mandatory to carry a firearm, as they were generally the people who work at customs/ports of entry. (So no patrolling or hunting people down). Then an order came out that they had to get firearms training because carrying one was going to be mandatory.
A lot of people either quit or asked to be reassigned. Even though literally no one in the history of that department had ever fired a gun (or even come close), the idea that they might have to kill, or just shoot someone was a mental barrier they couldn't cross.
I agree that it's more practical for pepper spray. Aside from being more practical (to buy & carry), you're less likely to hesitate to use it in an emergency. If you point a gun at someone and hesitate, well, I don't think I need to elaborate...
