great thread and it would be hard to say everything without timing out but as I guess I'm an old man now I am getting very windy. I carry and have carried for nearly 30 years. My Dad, brother,one of my sisters, and my wife all "pack". I honestly don't think it matters where you live, be it a small town or large city the chances of a serious problem are about the same for everyone. While some individuals are in high risk areas and prone to more problems the chances of a fluke situation are always there. It happens everyday. I look at a pistol much like a life preserver on a boat, might never need it but it's reassuring to know it's there.