Unfortunately, the reality for good people who live in NJ, NY, CA, MD, HI, and a few other hold out states, is that carrying a pistol for protection would entail an arrest, probable conviction, and then a prison term with a lifetime prohibition on legal gun ownership, not to mention the loss of any gainful employment and the right to vote.

In those places, the probability of getting caught by the police are much more likely than needing a pistol for defense. If your car breaks down, or if you have a medical crisis, or if you are searched for reasons beyond your control (a lockdown in the building you happen to be in), you're screwed for life.