content: While a gun may have helped in this scenario, it may also have gotten the old man killed- considering the close quarters and probable strength disparity between the nog and the elderly man, there's a good chance the nog could get control of the weapon and potentially take it from the old man.  So carry a gun, and train with using it at extreme close quarters like an elevator. It's very different from using a weapon in the open. Grappling skills are a must, if just to control the attacker long enough for you to get your weapon clear and take a clean shot.