I remember when that was tested on the "Mythbusters" show. Their creation was, to say the least, ineffective. (One of the participants later remarked that the only way that Kirk would have defeated the Gorn was to make the cannon and then give it to the Gorn to shoot at him.) In other news, it might be worthwhile to research a device called the "atlatl" which boosted the efficiency of a thrown spear.
I suppose walking away wasn't an option for Kirk. Gorn (the Gorn?) doesn't appear to be too fleet of foot, though I don't remember the episode.
