Originally Posted by climbhoser

First of all some of us don't have a choice to move. Cost of moving plus the lack of a job elsewhere impedes action.

Secondly, even if you never have to pull a gun, having it can be a deterrent.

Great example:

Walking the dogs one night, had the kiddo in the baby backpack. One of my dogs, little dachsund, is very annoying and barks at everything. So, we walk by an apt. with some kids porch-monkeying, drinking beers (though they were all severely underaged) and blasting rap music. It wasn't the ghetto, but not the best place, either. The dog barks, real yip yappy, and even though we're 100 feet away the kids start laughing and yelling jibes. The 'ring-leader' comes our way, beer in hand, barking aggressively at our dog. Scared, I lift my shirt so he can see I'm packing. I didn't touch the gun, just gave him a knowing eyebrow raise as if to say "You don't want this to end up a world of **** for everyone." Kid shut his mouth, turned around and told his crew to shutup, too.

Had I not done that I feel I woulda been rolled for sure. Wallet gone at best, me and my child hurt at worst. Did I do the right thing or best thing? Well, no one was hurt and we moved on.

My dad tells a similar story in the '70s in NYC. Was in the wrong alley one night, just off Wall St. coming out of his hotel. Shoulda turned around, but he was young and stupid and kept going. A couple of thugs setup a little catch system to roll him, so he flashed a piece in his waistband. Guys let him go without a single hassle. No gun, definitely a concussion and a lost wallet, maybe death. Gun, peace.

Bad people in the world, nice to know you can defend yourself when others can't.