Actually, I was asking a rhetorical question and wondering how they'd answer.
So if it is a rhetorical question, do you really want an answer or not? The title indicates that you want an answer, then you say it is rhetorical.
What does it matter how they would answer the question?
But t'was I were in a life threatening situation I'd rather have my .45 than a can of pepper spray or a taser.
Ah, now we come to the crux of the issue. You don't understand why it is that anti-gun people don't perceive the same approach to conflict resolution as you do. This isn't a problem with just you, but with people on both sides of the issue. Each side believes strongly in their views and each side has some hokey hokey views. I am just as amazed by gun owners who feel defenseless because they don't have a gun on their person as I am by anti-gun people who believe they can be protected by the cops. Both views are extraordinarily naive. Both sides tend to take matters to an almost supernatural level in how strongly they hold their beliefs and I have seen where both sides invoke God for justification of being armed or not armed.
The antis think nobody should have guns but the cops and military...as if that has ever been a good idea. Many pro gun folks feel everyone should have guns (RKBA shall NOT be infringed) except for reasons they feel are okay such as maybe not children, maybe not really small children, maybe not the mentally retarded, mentally unstable, felons, people on medication that might affect judgment, etc., because apparently those people don't have the "right to defend themselves," as if guns were the only means of defense that ever existed. Both sets of opposing views have some theoretical validity, but reality invalidity.
My father is anti gun. He was a cop for 21 years and doesn't like guns. He owns several. If he had his way, nobody would have guns, but he realizes that such a concept won't ever be a reality and he doesn't want to be behind the power curve against an attacker. He no longer shoots, but takes my mother shooting. He is not unarmed, but would rather not be armed. He is one of the most practical anti-gun people that I have ever met.
Strangely, I know some gun folks that are very similar. They own guns and have carry permits, but don't carry and have all their guns locked up at home.