Better to have a gun and not need it, than need a gun and not have it. Don't try to scare an armed man. Success will get you a tombstone. Good, Bad, I'm the guy with the gun. Americans are armed and extremely dangerous.
Superior firepower is invaluable when negotiations start.
Survival tip 3, what you lack in numbers, make up with firepower. There is no Power like Firepower. Those with the weapons make the rules. Travelling unarmed is like boating without a life jacket. A big enough gun will adjust any attitude.