I have a son into martial arts and he helps train women in self-defense. He tells me that since I'm old and white-headed that I'm considered a target by thugs and he encourages me to pack. I'd prefer him to be around for protection at times as he and some of the people he studies under are highly skilled in what they do. But he is too big to hang on my belt so my 45 has to do.

"It is wise, though, to remember above all else: rifle, caliber, scope, and even bullets notwithstanding, the most important feature of successful big game hunting is to put that bullet in the correct place, the first time!" John Jobson