Originally Posted by ImportConvert

At some point, you have to ask yourself..."Am I carrying a gun just to carry a gun, or is this something I can effectively fight with, and won't end up drawing only to wish and lament that I didn't bring a proper fighting tool with me today?"

Many people get locked into this "Talisman" mentality, where carrying a firearm is a binary thing: Have/Do not have.

Sure, you can argue "But I'll most likely just need it at 5-7 feet or so and for a couple of shots, and the psychological effect is more important than..." Yeah, but I you can also argue "You're not likely to need a firearm at all..." and the argument holds a lot more water, as it's very true. You're not. But if you do...make sure you're carrying one that you won't feel like you short-changed yourself on when you draw it.

It's a personal question, so only you can answer it, which is why I'm not providing any critique except my above thoughts on the subject. Ponder them, and you will have the best answer you can get. For you.