In NC, they [CHP,CCW,CWP] also double as on-demand buying permits. No need to talk to the local sheriff when you need/want to purchase, just buy and fly. It also helps avoid the myriad of transportation laws with firearms. In the liberal hellmouth known as Chapel Hill, it helps to conceal as the local law enforcement doesn't mind arresting or detaining you for open carrying even though state laws trump local ordinances. They have no trouble making an example out of you, especially since most of the town is either University property, State/County or Memorial Hospital.
At the old town Apple Chill festival, a gang war erupted with members from other places [Durham and Raleigh] into an old-fashioned Saturday afternoon shootout. They ended up just permanently cancelling the festival after that. The local PD? I don't recall them hanging out at the festival. It was better to be armed than dead. My friends were there, packed heat, never had to use it, but they saw gangstas with Glocks and AK-47s under long coats, however, said gang members were high tailing it out of there too.
This is a recap of the aftermath.
http://townhall.townofchapelhill.org/agendas/2007/05/07/3a2/chh_apple_chill_editorial.htm
This is what happens in pompous university towns and will continue to happen. I was born in Chapel Hill [NCMH/UNC-Hospital] still live near there, but I stay the heck away, as I have no love for any place that doesn't respect our rights.
Now Chapel Hill is scared and doesn't know what to do. Not surprised, really.
Getting OT, So how can I answer your question?
You value your life? You value not being arrested for improperly transporting firearms? You don't want to come to a prison [I work in a Max facility]? You want to be able to carry what you need to deliver yourself or a loved one from evil? Want to buy at anytime without sucking up to the local sheriff? Need to go condition white some days? Not carrying a full sized sidearm? Want to put on a coat in the winter but still be strapped? Or wear a suit and keep the nickel plated little wonder under your blazer? Want the ultimate form of close self-defense other than getting a bodyguard or channeling the spirit of Bruce Lee?
Then maybe, just maybe a Concealed Carry Permit is for you.
Hmm, downsides? in NC, You must always carry your license with your CCP. You must ALWAYS tell a law enforcement officer you have one on you immediate if/when approached on foot or in vehicle. Consequences of not doing so is being stripped of your carry rights or possibly 2A altogether. You can't carry concealed into a financial institution, however, you can open carry into one. Can't be armed at funerals or alcohol-serving restaurants. You can forget movie theaters too or any other place that charges admission. Pretty much in NC you need to be a good obedient serf, I mean citizen to maintain and keep your CCP. It is proof of a legislated right and duty as an American, however, I don't need a weapons charge hassle and I really got it for the buying power.
However, your state maybe different. So...
No money back guarantee, void where prohibited, including in Illinois and Wisconsin.