More on topic with the original post, and although I do not know the conditions or circumstances leading up to the machete attack on the hikers, I think some nut bag with a machete, or knife, or axe or whatever other than a firearm, is going to be somewhat deterred in choosing me as a victim to attack, if he can see I am visibly armed. From whatever distance or cover he’s observing me. And if I was to be bumrushed by some blade wielding freak, in the forest, I would hope I could draw and blast him first. Unencumbered by concealments, i would think it all the easier to do so.
