How to avoid killing your player characters as GM

[Eric Funk]

Something I found useful is to compare the typical weapons of the day to a bystander "typical" human of ST10, 10 HP, 0 DR. To such a person, three hits of a ST10 quarterstaff can reduce to 0 (1d6 cr), or one fine longbow arrow (1d6+2 imp) , to say nothing of firearms. THe simple answer is don't get involved in a battle.

If you are looking for survivable gunfights consider GURPS Gun-Fu's "Dodging Bullets" and "Bullet Time" on p.32. Consider "Buying Success" p. B347 to turn rolls such as Dodges from failures to success, or lots of Luck (or Super Luck), Serendipity to find conveniently sufficient Cover (consider Perks in Gun-fu related to this as well).