As an index futures trader, I work in a tough neighborhood. Lots of scalpers, thieves, frauds, pirates, gunslingers and stop-gunners, not to mention Chicago market makers. So for protection I carry while I'm trading. What depends on my level of paranoia. It's a slow day today, so I have only a Ruger LCR in a Fobus paddle holster, 38 special +P can handle it. On a more interesting day, I'll feel better with my long-barrelled 357 Taurus 608 eight-shooter in a simple bandolier rig. Always loaded with Hornady Critical Defense dum-dums. Of course the defense 12 gauge, a Mossberg Mariner, is hanging on the wall easily to hand for those really bad days. On a bandolier 15 round sling. I figure no day is so bad it will survive double-ought buck. All this preparedness keeps me calm in my trades. This is just for daytrading, mind. While making investment decisions I take the longer view with an AR by my side. Oh, and be forewarned, if you're trading against a Texan, four percent of the adult population packs concealed legally. And judging from message boards, most of them cary a New York reload, as well. So, you see, a proper Texan is protected while trading, and gunned up for the Zombie Apocalypse.