I'm prior military from the 80's and have on-and-off had various access to weapons and would shoot for fun and had them for home protection. Lived in upstate NY for most of my life and believe it or not, there was a time that getting a CC permit was not nearly as difficult as it is today, so I ended up getting one many years ago during a different era. Found I didn't use it nearly as much as I should have so I let it lapse. I moved to NM after that and they are a very 2a friendly state with constitutional OC and started carrying there (either in person, in the car, or even occasionally bootleg CC
). Always put off getting my cc permit, because in my mind, it was never really needed for the situations I was worried about (Albuquerque, NM is the home invasion, car jacking capital of the world) and I was ALWAYS prepared that way. Happenstance (job) brought me to the Austin area, and while I'm now less worried (but still prepared) about home invasion in my hood, I've become increasing worried about some whacko "making his political/religious statement" in a place me and my family happen to be. Surprisingly enough though, I'm less worried (and always have been) about being the victim of a personal attack. I'm a pretty big and intimidating guy (with a big ole' heart though) and certainly don't have "victim" tattooed on my forehead. Plus, ever since my military days I've always practiced good SA skills and have always relied mostly on them for survival and will continue to do so. Anyways, after moving here I have committed to myself that I will do everything I can to keep myself and family safe and to me, that includes carrying everywhere that I legally can (preferably cc).
Waited my requisite 6 months residency, and submitted my App to DPS. Still in the waiting room at this point, but should have plastic soon enough. It can't come fast enough.