[Eppie]

Sounds like you are in a tough neighborhood. Remember there are no winners in a fight only losers. The one that loses less we call the winner, but that's a lie. George Zimmerman is learning that lesson now. The easiest way to win a confrontation is not to have one.

Given your environment, I certainly wouldn't let anyone come up from behind me. I'd want to keep any potential threat in clear view but avoid eye contact.

If I were you, the last thing I would want any of the guys in the hood to know, is that you got a gun. They may hit over the head with a hammer/pipe just to get a gun. It could be used as an income generating tool at the public's expense.

You should realize that the element of surprise is worth more than any gun. By letting a potential aggressor know that you have a weapon you've already made a big tactical mistake. Personally, I don't want any enemy to see my gun until he sees the flash from the barrel or hears the discharge. The other thing you need to understand is that within a 10 foot distance (without barriers) any reasonably fit person with a knife has the advantage against a pistol.

You also should understand that if an aggressor already has a gun on you and you pull out your pistol chances are you both are going to get shot. Anyone you shoot, even if mortally wounded, will have many seconds of time to shoot you. People don't die like in the movies. Instantaneous death is by far the exception.

In summary, keep people in clear sight, at a distance and avoid eye contact. If someone you perceive as hostile begins to approach you kindly but firmly ask him to keep away. If person continues aggressively coming towards you should be in fear for your life and should defend yourself.

Afterwards, assuming you are the sole survivor, you should be concerned for reprisal by the assailants "boys" and you're going to have to move. So, if you can, move before bad things happen and you'll be a real winner.