Errm guys, hate to interrupt this advert for firearms training, but isnt there the little problem of explosive decompression if you start introducing firearms into basically a pressurised cylinder..??
Close the outflow valve!
The decompression is not as big a deal as hitting a vital system component.
A leak from a small diameter hole would likely be controlled by the outflow valve, and in the worse case scenario, would result in a relatively slow decompression. It also depends on the differential pressure at the time, and how well the fuse actually seals. I have seen MX do a pressurization check during a heavy check on a 727, where they coated the a/c with soapy water, and pressurized it. Every seam bubbled, and it was considered normal.
After all this, I am not too sure about arming commercial pilots with firearms.......I think that some sort of non lethal device would be more appropriate, considering the confines and the situation. In today's litigious society, I am not too sure I'd like the responsibility of securing (or god forbid....USING!) a firearm in the airline world!
BTW, I am a gun owner, and have had a ccw for years.........