"I could quickly pop off 7 rounds from my little .22 Beretta Bobcat... and I can't imagine anyone standing on the receiving end within 10 ft. who could withstand such a nasty unloading. Imagine 7 quick .22/.25 acp shots at close range to one's torso. That's nasty and very lethal. It might not be the optimum primary weapon... but it's still a powerful form of self-defense."
I could introduce you to one from my old childhood neighborhood. He was shot a couple a miles from the neighborhood standing in line to eat at a takeout restaurant. Some guy skipped him in line and he protested. I think he may have hit the guy -it's been approaching 30 years ago. I do recall that he was hit exactly seven times in the torso at point blank (i.e., conversational range) range. He lives to this day with no complications. It was "hit or miss" for a few days afterward, however. He was nicknamed "Twenty Mule" after bouncing back from that ordeal. Real nice fella. YOU can ask him yourself what he felt and what he thought. I'll answer: "I wish the hell I had my 9mm cause I'd a shot his..."
I know of another one - this time a woman who was shot seven times with a .25 caliber semi-automatic in the upper torso, neck and face. She, too, walks, smiles and is none the worse for wear minus scars from the surgery.
The first guy was a muscular, athletic man in his day and at the time of the shooting - kinda like a NCAA defensive back. The woman was not overly anything. Kinda short, built like a 400 meter sprinter. Not overtly muscular or anthing. She'd tell you that it hurt but she was able to fight off the idiot and get to the phone to dial 911.
IF A PERSON IS HIGHLY MOTIVATED YOU'VE JUST GOTTEN THEIR ATTENTION. IF THEY ARE CLOSE ENOUGH TO YOU & SUITABLY AGGRESSIVE THEY'LL GRAB YOU. AND IF THEY ARE SUITABLY ARMED IT'S NOW THEIR TURN...
I'll pass...