What are the limits to self-defence?

[Boy_Wonder]

It is worth pointing out in an international context like the web, that this is not the same everywhere - where I live for example, escalating the situation like that could even see you considered worse than your aggressor in the eyes of the law.

Not that I think that’s just. Just a thought.

True. It varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some places acts of violent self defense (even when justified) are often prosecuted. Often the person who defended isn’t charged with homicide or assault but rather violation of gun laws and even hate crimes.

 

[Ender]

You missunderstand, hand guns are different in the Church’s eyes in civilian hands because they are concealable weapons whose primary purpose is killing people. That is, they have no otherwise licit purpose, like hunting.

This is inaccurate. Hand guns can also be used in self defense which is obviously licit, but beyond that the church is concerned with one’s intent, not with one’s tools. There is no doctrinal objection to hand guns.
*The body then is indifferent between vice and virtue, as also instruments (or arms) are. But either effect is wrought by him that useth it. As if a soldier fighting in his country’s behalf, and a robber who was arming against the inhabitants, had the same weapons for defence. For the fault is not laid to the suit of armor, but to those that use it to an ill end. *(St. John Chrisostom)
Ender