To add a bit to the above theme and very good advice, I would suggest that folks consider their CCW ticket as an option, not a requirement. I basically disagree with the carry all the time concept for civilians. Carry / possess when it suits you and don't find yourself feeling "naked" without your piece.
I was a peace officer in a high population state and in all my years that I could carry, I carried only about 1/3 of the time off-duty. More importantly, in my entire life, including many years as a patrolman and later a detective, I never experienced any situation off duty, where I needed a gun or wished I had one on me. And I worked shift work, which meant that I often went to the store, gas stations, liquor stores and was out-and-about late at night. This includes late night dates in major metropolitan centers and deserted parking garages and walking down dark side streets. Never a problem.
Just going into all this so one might put CCW and all that it goes with it, into perspective. Where I live currently, I can legally keep a concealed loaded firearm in my car and can also CCW outside the city or town limits -- it is also a "must issue" state. I just never felt a compelling need to carry. However, as I age, and understand that I may now appear more vulnerable to a would be mugger or carjacker, I am re-thinking my need/desire for a CCW permit. But these days, I'm not going to convenience stores late at night on my way home from work. I'm generally veged-out in my recliner at night.
