I would have use a gun in this situation if I feared for my life and especially my wife and kid. BUT I think use of the gun could have been effective without firing a shot...I know dont pull it unless your gonna use it, bla bla bla but the drunk looking down the barrel of a .45 would have made him change direction and you know he's not callin the cops, hes going into flight mode with soiled drawers. He might have even crashed into the shore trying to flee which would have been justice enough for me.
This seriously crossed my mind....
It was actually my first thought. Stand on the deck pistol ready when he came around to let him know he just fawked up. In hopes he'd of done like you said and possibly learned a lesson.
I just have a hard time showing it and not planning on using it. It's just not me.