I carry a non lethal air pistol similar to a paintball gun but it shoots a ball with a tear gas/pepper spray mix. If need be you can shoot them in the back after they rob you and your not going to go to jail for murder.you actually only need to be within 15 feet to be effective. Obviously your best choice may be to just let them go depending on your ability to take cover or the amount of perpetrators and weapons but its better than nothing and an option for those that couldn't and don't want to live with ending someone's life.