[K_Mac]

I have read and reread OldMarksman's original post, and I believe his three central points clearly and accurately define the essential elements necessary to effectively carry a handgun for self-defense.

That people have been defending themselves with handguns for centuries is not an argument against having the proper mindset, skillset, or toolset when carrying a handgun. People have been starting fires using primitive methods for millennia but that doesn't mean it is the most effective way of doing so. A person who's life depends on being able to quickly and efficiently start a fire in arctic conditions would be considered foolish if he didn't have proper understanding, training, and tools to do so. Just sticking a lighter in his pocket might work...