imported post
Thanks everyone for the warm welcome!
I do not have a CCW so when I carry it's right out there for the world to see. I've never had a problem or even a glance, although to be honest I've not carried in recent years very much, bad on me, I know. This forum has certainly bolstered my courage to begin doing so again - for my own protection and to express my right to do so.
The short version of my experiance - it was about 20 years ago, I was getting gas about midnight on Maryland Pkwy and Russell (I think it was Russell). While I was waiting for the gas pump to be turned on 5 thugs exited the store walking toward me. As they neared me they broke apart, laughing and I knew I was in trouble. Since I was leaning/sitting on the car I felt it move as one of them who was behind me struck me in the back of the head with a bat or pipe. As I fell forward the rest closed on me and beat me in the face. I spun out of the group and grabbed my gun from the front seat of my car. Upon seeing the gun they ceased and ran off. That's how I remember it. There's more to it of course but that's the Reader's Digest version.
Shane.