I will never pull a gun on someone unless I intend to shoot them. It's just insincere, and that ain't me
as far as pulling it on an attacker that does not have a weapon, probably not.
If there's 6 attackers, you hold that thing at your side, smile, and tell them to have a nice day.
There are circumstances when you would show or point the weapon but still choose not to fire. Junkie idiot approaches you with bat in parking lot. You'd rather not splatter him and spend the next year in court. better in that case to point your weapon, order him to the ground or to 'back the fck up!' in your best police voice, and save his life and your time. Also, in those quiet situations when it's you and him and no witnesses, never underestimate the value of pointing it at him and yelling something like "Sheriff's Dept!". If he thinks you're a cop, he'll probably shit his pants on that alone. Then, if he advances, you cap him, finish your taco, and call 911.