The pistol whipping definitely sucked, and I can identify how I could have avoided it altogether. The guys were out of line, but somehow I diffused it non violently by pinning one of them down and just commandingly explained to them that they were going to kill me if they continued. They stopped and were impressed with how "tough" I am lol.

One of them came back later apologizing, and said the experience gave him a new outlook on life. I shook his hand and told him just use it for positive growth.

The noise in my head has quieted a lot so I'll likely be able to focus better and get more work done now. Thank you for the kind words @litguru.