For sure. Personally though, I just would feel weird packing a gun at my kids bus stop. And if I noticed someone else packin at the bus stop, I'd have serious reservations about even sending my kid to school that day.
I don't know how cool your neighbor is, or if you guys talk at all, but maybe you could explain how his dogs' behavior makes you uneasy.
Tell him how you're concerned for the kid if they get out somehow, and that you've considered buying a handgun.
If he made a serious upgrade to his gate, would that help? maybe you could offer to go halves even? It's probably still cheaper than a gun. just another suggestion.
(my dogs also jump and paw at the gate which rattles/bounces and sounds like its about to fly right off its hinges, so I can relate there. and they HAVE bounced it open before. I keep a pad lock in it now, but it sounds brutal still)
I know most pit owners really love their pits.
They're also aware of the bad rep pits have and would likely want to avoid any attention.
I'm sure he doesn't want his dogs shot any more than you'd want to be in a position to have to shoot them.
I mean if you came to me and said my shepherd made you feel threatened to the point that you've considered carrying a gun, and then mentioned the gate, I'd totally buy the gate.
Oh I'd probably feel like "jeez my neighbor just buttonholed me into spending 2-300 bucks at home depot" but the alternative would be
1. my dog is dead or needs to be put down
2. my neighbor hates me, his child is traumatized and he may be scared of dogs for the rest of his life, and it's my fault.
3. my neighbors may have been injured in the incident, which means there could be a lawsuit.
4. serious fines/ possibly jail time, police involvement for sure (even HOA's flip out sometimes=eviction)
5. a phone call to my wife saying "our dog got out and attacked a 50 year old man, while with his 5 year old son, and was subsequently shot. Soooo...channel 3 is gonna come out tonight and do an interview with us. Isn't that great hon? We'll be on TV!!! " A RESOUNDING EFF NOOOO! I don't want any of those
a smart pit owner/large breed owner would realize he needs to keep everyone happy as far as his dog is concerned, or the whole world could turn on him. Is he smart?
I hope this was helpful and I hope everything works out for the best man, cheers