Lets be really clear, there are LOTS of places here in the US where carrying a handgun is a crime and even more where mere possession is so restricted that it is in effect a ban. There are far too many places were rifles and shotguns are restricted by how they "look". There are even places where a muzzleloader must be transferred in much the same way as if purchasing a machinegun. We are all not so free as many would hope; but none of those laws actually stop a criminal from committing crimes. Laws are nothing but black ink on white paper, they STOP NOTHING. At best laws only apply penalties IF caught AND convicted.

That being said, I do not carry a handgun for the 99% of the time I dont need it. I carry a gun for the 1% of the time when I might need it BECAUSE in those times a handgun is way better then a sharp stick and harsh language. Now mind you I take great pains to avoid those 1% times. I do not willingly travel into "those places" freely and without some trepidation AND when I do I consider the greater risk. Is it more of a risk of getting caught with a gun where I cant have it OR more of a risk getting caught without it when I NEED IT.

There was a time when I might have felt well armed with a pocket knife and martial arts training but life (age) and life experiences have taught me differently. No more is the mythological lone mugger a fantasy I can picture. Street crime is no longer a sole attacker armed with a screwdriver, its now him and his "Boyz" armed with handguns and motivated to take what theyve been taught you owe them. So I carry what seems appropriate for the risks, some days its a single action Colt and some days its a beltfed flame throwing grenade launcher.....