Carl's behavior was totally out of character. Yes many young boys go through that morbid stage of throwing rocks at helpless creatures, but he didnt seem like the type. Stealing the gun etc. Poorly done there.
Poor old Dale. I think he was defending his memory of how life was, and how he wanted it back, more than the kid in the barn. I never read the comic, and dont want to know, but I cant see a happy ending.