Originally Posted by I_luv_hooters

When I carried a pistol i was aware of the awesome responsibilty I had. I read books on the law (Masaad Ayoob's book) and I followed the law (no drinking, no bars, no courthouses, etc.) There were times where I was in a verbal confrontation with another person (who had no idea i was armed) while I was carrying. Once in traffic, once in front of a coffee stand. I was always aware of the danger I was in (my gun was not appropriate and could cause me to face murder charges) and both times I said "I'm gonna walk away." Back then I carried a gun because of where I lived, other considerations, and the fact that I could under local law. It also meant I could no longer fist fight or even stand up to being hassled on the street. It meant I had to walk a straight polite line.