My Mom owned a convenience store in Stockton, CA when I was 14.
One evening a guy pulled a knife and put it to my ribs demanding money from the register.
He is lucky to be alive.
My brother and I had been out shooting earlier in the day and had a shotgun in the corner that was loaded.
Police asked why we didn’t shoot the guy.
“Forgot it was there” was my reply.
I carry something everywhere I go on my person or in my car.
Ditto. I even keep a gun in the pocket of my pajamas when I'm relaxing at home, and won't wear pajamas that don't have pockets. You never know when a home invasion might occur.
I was robbed at gunpoint about 35 years ago, and an acquaintance of mine was raped and murdered in her home about 20 years ago. I always stay vigilant and always carry. Fortunately, the only perp I ever had to shoot was a pitbull.