For once Todd and I agree on a gun issue! LMAO.
Clay, I'm all for CCW. Definately go get one and get trained, as much as you can handle. But Todd's right, carrying would not have helped you in the situation you described as you described it. Better situational awareness might have helped to make a concealed weapon useful in that situation, but the way it happened, you would have done yourself more harm than good going for a gun. Anyone training you will tell you the same thing. If you find yourself in the situation you were in, give them everything they ask for. If at some point it looks like they are going to shoot anyway, then go for it, you have nothing to lose, but it's a huge last resort (in that situation). And like Todd said, shooting at someone running away is a HUGE no-no.
Again, I am definately a proponent of CCW. It's just one of those things. A concealed wepaon doesn't always change what can happen in a situation. Also, as far as training goes, see if you can find a local IDP (International Defensive Pistol) group. It's fun and it can be excellent practice in drawing and firing from concealment and such. :thumbsup: