I have a ccw, however I don't carry on my physical person except in what I consider very dangerous situations, which I go out of my way to avoid. I think it's a pain in the ass. That said, I do occasionally have to load or unload my music equipment in bad neighborhoods, and often at night in various cities. I, like another poster, have a bottle of pepper spray next to a .380 in the back of my suv, but only when I'm in bad parts of town, which, as indicated, my work sometimes requires. Otherwise, I don't have them in the back of my truck. If approached (this has happened twice, once in daylight, once at night) while loading gear, I would chose the pepper spray over the gun, unless a gun has been demonstrated or is being drawn. In both cases, neither weapon was needed. I'm in pretty good shape, which can actually be a deterrent...Don't EVER show fear, and always maintain situational awareness. I do keep a small semi in my glove box most times, in case I break down in a bad place.
Here is my point. I understand those who wish to be armed full time, especially in this day and age, and even more so in bigger cities where crime is rampant. I only hope those that feel that way and carry full time are TRAINED. That's a huge issue with me. If you want to carry, you better be able to hit your target, and not the innocent people nearby. And be responsible at home if you have kids.
Ultimately, and if you want my advice, I essentially avoid areas where I would need to carry on my person, especially at night because I just don't get a rush from being armed. I experienced many incidents of violence in my teens and early 20's (and a few credible death threats in my late 20's) that made me very pro gun, but I view weapons as nothing more than tools. And to be honest with you, if a person pulls a gun on me and he's in front of my car, what do you think I'd do? Pull my piece from the glove box, or stomp the gas pedal?
