Very good advice to stay away from "dangerous places" however danger isn't always found in dangerous places. Very often danger is found getting in or out of your car at the supermarket or a convenience store. Most attacks on people who aren't engaged in potentially hazardous behaviors i.e drugs, thefts and such occur in "safe" areas. Car-jackings are the crime du jour and those can happen anywhere. I live in a relatively quiet neighborhood but even here, one block away, a woman was pulled out of her car at gunpoint, robbed and had her car stolen. All she did to make herself a target was stop at a stop sign. Another woman was attacked in the parking lot of the mall, where she was beaten and robbed (and yes the mall did have security but someone intent on committing a crime can easily avoid even the most vigilant security). When I go to the store I don't park next to cars that have someone sitting in them, I don't park next to someone who is standing in the parking lot, I don't park in dark areas, I park as close as possible to the store, I lock my doors when I drive, I constantly watch my surroundings in and out of my car. I'm not paranoid..I'm careful and careful will take you 99% of the way safe. It's up to you how to prepare for that other 1%...the most often repeated phrase after someone was attacked is "I never thought it could happen to me".
I'm a former police officer and I know what can and does go wrong on a daily basis. Defend yourself with whatever you feel comfortable with because if you aren't comfortable with it then you aren't going to be able to use it effectively. I choose a Glock 30 in .45 caliber and pepper spray. I have years of training and experience with guns and I have no problems with law abiding citizens carrying them...IF...they are trained. Training isn't the lame *ss course that concealed carry classes put on either. You will need intensive training and practice after qualifying for your concealed carry permit to be safe. If you want to carry a gun go to your local gun range and ask to be trained to use it. If you are friends with a police officer ask him or her to train you and never carry a gun just because you can. It's irresponsible and dangerous for you and everyone around you.
