I think what RC is concerned with is that the jury (knowing that jurors aren’t necessarily picked for being the brightest candle in the church) might think
A: GZ was afraid to get out of the car
B: Remembered he was packing and could blow away anyone who looked at him funny
C: Overcame the fear and got out of the car.
Now, no one has come out and said B, but if I thought of it I’m sure someone else has too....
And YET....Z did not draw his weapon until AFTER T had broken his nose, knocked him to the ground, had beaten his head on the concrete after telling Z he was gonna die "now", had tryed to smother him... and only after T grabbed for Z's gun did Z then draw and USE it. I don't know about you, but that's pretty damned brave to me. I would have never let T sneak up on me and get that close to me before pulling my weapon and, if necessary, firing it. But then, being a female I know I would never win a physical confrontation with an almost 6' strapping, football playing male. Especially one that was potentially high as a kite.