[Fred P]

I live in VA, a "right to carry" state. If you have a clean record and take the safety course you can legally carry concealed. That said, the average person is neither competent or prepared to produce and use a weapon in a confrontation. Shooting paper targets at a range is not being prepared, even if you hit 999/1000. I know law enforcement officers who aren't prepared either so don't feel bad. My opinion is to carry if your personal situation requires it, if you are mentally & physically prepared, and if you're competent to do so. Once the weapon is unholstered you're committed to end the confrontation ASAP, preferably without using it. PS: Never produce a weapon to "help" the police, that's the best way to get shot. All that said, if you feel that you need to carry for personal protection, go ahead if you have the legal right to do so, just know your weapon and practice, practice, practice. Oh yeah, be sure you hit what you're aiming at.