because he is the law…  in these parts.  Another great great movie scene comes to mind- from the Coen Brothers remake of True Grit– When Rooster Cogburn (played by Jeff Bridges) is defending his use of force in the apprehension of some evil-doers…

But seriously Sheriff Don…  You would only have to use that carbine if you are picking them off from a distance, right?  At which point you might have a little trouble explaining yourself…