When I was doing bodyguard/security work, I carried,with permit. I had a permit to carry in all of the New England states except Maine. I just let them expire because I don't need to carry in my normal day to day life as I'm not doing security anymore. I figure if I'm going to get robbed on the street, there's a lot better chance of getting myself shot if I go for a gun than if I just give up my wallet. If the person robbing you has a gun, he's probably going to walk up on you with it out, so unless you're Wyatt Earp or Doc Holiday, I wouldn't try to outdraw them. You will most likely lose, and maybe lose your life. If the person is trying to rob me at knifepoint, and they're not VERY talented with that knife, god help them. As far as home protection goes, I have many guns, but only one is within easy reach, and even it is locked in one of those combo safes with the finger buttons that you can access in the dark. I'm not one of those dumbasses that leaves a gun in my dresser so the kids can get to it.