>The gun just makes it easier for the assailant, but it does not necessarily make him/her any less intent.

Sure it does, especially for those 'immediate / in a rage' situations that John referred to. If a person didnt have a gun, there'd be a bit more forethought about if, how, and what when confronting someone when a gun is not an option. Plus, using a knife in a drive-by or in a road rage incident just isnt as effective as a gun.