NYC shooter: I figure that it would have been worse

[spin]

171. What type of firearm do you carry when you decide to?

When I first got a concealed weapons permit I tried to carry a .45 auto. That was indeed a real pain in the ass. It usually stayed in the safe when I left the house.'

Eventually I discovered the logic of carrying a very small and compact handgun. I have carried a S&W airweight Model 642 five shot snub nosed revolver in .38+P caliber for years. On my way out the door I merely grab it and its pocket holster and slide both into my right front pants pocket. The weapon even when loaded with five rounds is very light and I hardly notice that it is in my pocket.

This handgun is marginally powerful and difficult to shoot at a long range but it is very reliable and accurate at close range. It is a double action only revolver as it has no hammer to cock. This is an advantage for pocket carry but it takes practice to master the heavy and long double action trigger pull of this weapon. It also has a significant recoil which makes practice uncomfortable.

My son in law who also has a concealed carry permit packs a very small and light .380 Ruger LCP in his pants pocket. Yes it is a mouse gun but he doesn't go places that are dangerous and doesn't expect to ever have to use this handgun for legitimate self defense.

While it is unlikely it still is a faint possibility that a firearm might prove valuable if attacked by an individual who intends to seriously harm or kill you and has the ability to do so. Unfortunately it is impossible to predict if and when this might happen. I can't put a reminder on my computer that I need to carry my firearm on a given day. I would also feel like a total fool if I had spend the money and the time to get a carry permit and had left it behind in a safe when I found myself facing a VERY dangerous attacker.

But it is your choice if and when you decide to legally carry your firearm. The best idea is to practice situational awareness when you are out and about and that requires no weapon. Simply be alert to your surroundings and don't walk around with a cell phone glued to your ear. If for some reason your sixth sense alerts you, pay attention to it and leave the area.