There is a lot of talk surrounding what is the best gun, caliber, ammo, pepperspray, knife, etc. The truth is that it probably just doesn't matter. There is a lot of verbiage put forth about a very small portion of the equation. Overly optimizing the equipment part is generally done at the expense of all of the other factors.

If 9mm isn't stopping the assailant it is too late to switch to .45, so shoot him again - only better. I will tell you that a sharp $20 knife will cut just as well as a sharp $120 knife. All pepper spray hurts, a 1% solution is still 100% more pepper spray than you want in your eyes.

You fight with the tools that you have at hand. Being good with those tools is much more important than what the latest magazine says is the best or what the SEALS are currently using. Regardless of what you hang off the rail system on your AR-15 the bullet is going to hit where the sights are aligned at the moment the shot breaks Red dots and optics might make your split times faster, and I agree it is a better system but it is not 'better' enough to really worry about.

I am interested in getting the best equipment that I can, but 'best' means it there is a selection criteria. This selection is based upon the intended role for the tool. Every time you double the price of a tool you might be increasing the performance a very small amount so the next question is it the performance improvement worth it? Having a rifle that shoots sub MOA is great, but it isn't going to matter at defensive distances and unless the shooter can deliver sub MOA performance it is wasted.

Keep in mind people get killed with garbage pistols chambered in .25 auto, screw drivers, and dinner forks. None of these would be my first pick for fighting equipment, but it is important to recognize that winning is not equipment dependent.