MrSkinnerGrandson, I agree with you that just because you pull your pistol does not mean you HAVE to shoot.  As long as you have enough space between you and the robber the pistol is certainly intimidating.   Defensive handgun classes usually recommend that you do not let the robber or assailant  get within 20 feet of you, but most of the time that distance is not really  possible.  If I am approached and I just was a month ago in the daytime in the Walmart parking lot, (the person was directly headed towards me and they got within 10 feet of me), I hollered STOP, I raised my left  arm and   I pointed directly at the person and said,  do not come any closer I have my finger on the trigger.    I had my right  hand in my coat pocket and my finger on the trigger of my pistol ready to RIP.   The person stopped immediately, and said, "I am needing some change, I said, forget it, go away.  The person left immediately.  I called the Police and reported it, do not know if they looked for them.