The 'possible outcome' in that hypothetical would have at least been in play, i.e., the 'good guy' would have a fighting chance. Had the 'kids' been carrying guns and the 'good guy' was not... what outcome do you see there?
He would be as dead as in the case the "kids" would have managed to wrestle his gun away from him and having executed him at the spot with his own gun. However successfull examples of a self-defence with a gun exist, they are but singular: the general statistics show that a normal citizen is more likely to be confronted with his own gun, than to successfully defeat the enemy.
If, however, you live in the US-- where GLBT rights go largely unprotected, and where the State openly and deliberately conspires to deny GLBT people their civil rights-- well, how about you pardon GLBT people in such circumstances if they choose to ensure for themselves that they possess at least a last-ditch defense. That is, putting a bullet between the eyes of a basher?
Surelly, I have certain understanding for any
individual relying on his own powers in circumstances of weak or non-existent state power. If I happened to live in sub-urbs of Rio de Janeiro, or even in some German cities, I would probably consider buying a weapon by myselfe - just to
feel better. Nevertheless, as
society US-Americans should earnestly think of their relationship to guns - it's unique in the so-called "civilized world".
So, if toting a pistol only protects you from telegraphed, up-close, street-level attacks and not, say, sniper fire from a concealed perch at 300 meters, that's a reason to give up the up-close defense?
The truth is that a pistol usually
does not protect you from street-level attacks - any smart attacker serious about his aims wil not give you a chance. In a society where most citizens do not carry wheapons, the criminal can assume that his victim is unarmed and therefore usually
threatens the victim with a gun. In societies, where everyone is armed, offenders are forced too shoot without asking - they also care about their own lives. Now, in what kind of society do you want to live?
As I said above, this is a problem which can be solved in a collective effort by the entire society. Because it is also true, that in a totally armed society singular unarmed individuals will, of course, happen not to live very long.