This is one of those threads bound to evoke the spirits of the balanced and the unbalanced, no matter what one's position is on CC permits. I happen to support CC. I also happen to live in Maryland which has very dysfunctional laws regarding the matter. Such is life; I'll deal. I could come up with all kinds of rationalizations ... the 2d Ammendment; the fact that I am tactical and Law Enforcement firearms trained ... well gee. Then I consider there are so many personal defense measures and matters of judgement and prudence to keep one out of harms way ... Sometimes it occurs to me that it would be convenient to carry a firearm, but then I reason all the inconveniences and perils ... it's a wash.
What occurs to me on this thread was how it morphed from a simple question on whether or not folks carried, to bluster and political opinion ... and beyond that, "size comparisons" of exactly what people were carrying. My point is, whether one carries concealed or not, a short statement supporting CC is fine. Beyond that, IMHO, be calm and silent about it. That's the beauty of CC. Nobody knows ... It's discreet and should stay that way. For in my experience, those who want to brag about carrying, and let everyone know they do, down to the 'size of their gun,' and the flavor of their politics, are gong to throw that energy out on the road and in the wrong places, which is sure to draw more trouble than one counted on, that is, one invites the fight.
If one is competent and calm with a firearm and understands the philosophy of personal defense, to include personal defense training, and you can you can obtain permits, great. Otherwise, I say take a good self-defense class if you're concerned about baddies coming up to you and trying to take your wallet and Spyder away. That skill and knowledge packs away much easier than a handgun, and is easier applied. Nobody dies. I would say that 99% of any confidence I have to personal threat resides in personal defense ability, realizing I'm sure there's a battalion of folks out there who could kick my butt. Luck of the draw in life on that, I guess, but that's just where smarts somes in ... knowing where not to go. Wallets and bikes aren't worth lethal response. The Spyder is a great self-defense tool in itself. Those who think they can just jump on one and flee with it who've never ridden one before have a big surprise awaiting them, right?
Namaste,
~ Surfer