The military has an acronym for everything, and one analytical tool we use is called "METT-T."

Mission - Enemy - Terrain - Troops (available) - and Time.

What is your enemy's (bad guy / possible bad guy[s]) Most Dangerous (to you) Course of Action? What is his Most Likely Course of Action? What is your acceptable level of risk?

In civilian parlance, pick the right tool for the job. If you have a whole gun safe or gun room, which should you pick for the nightstand (or in this case, the original poster's scenario)? Kinda like a new golfer getting handed a big bag of loaner clubs.

If your only tool is a hammer, all problems look like nails.