Because it is my right and crime knows no boundaries. It is amazing also how much more aware I am of my surroundings while walking the dogs or at a store or parking lot when I carry. I try and carry all the time but my work takes me to facilities such as industrial plants that have a no guns policy as well as our state rules against it. Depending upon the situation I still carry anyway because I am responsible for my own safety.

Just talking to retail store employees that work in the stores around our neighborhood is eye opening. There is all kinds of crap that goes on. Attempted robberies at closing time. Shots fired at a McDonalds after midnight with customers inside. As a rule I steer clear of "known bad guy" areas and avoid situations that might place me in a situation where there is a good possibility of bad things happening ie going to your local StopNRob for soft drink or gallon of milk late at night. To me those places are target rich environments for criminals who not only prey upon the store employees but any unwitting customer who may happen to saunter in during or right before a robbery.

Carry as often and as practical as possible with one in the pipe and an extra mag or two. BG's rarely come in singles----usually pairs or more. Watch your six and don't try to be a hero when you have an avenue for escape.