In addition to receiving training with respect to shooting and safety, I would highly recommend you visit a website (and read the book), "The Judicial use of Deadly Force". It is a must read for anyone that carries a gun, because let's be honest, we carry in the event that someday we will have to take another human life contrary to our desires, in order to protect ourself or loved ones. The website and book will detail how amazingly small the window of legality allows for use of deadly force with a gun. I had many misconceptions about when it was and was not okay to use deadly force. Basically, if a guy pulls a knife on you, and is ten feet away from you, and is screaming at the top of his lungs that he is going to kill you and your whole family, you cannot shoot him, legally. Now, if and when he begins charging across the room, then and only then can you fire. I know most of us would probably draw, but not shoot anyway until the perp was charging us. But, I know people that think it would be okay to shoot the guy, with a knife, standing across the room threatening them. These same people think it's okay to smoke someone on their way out the family room window with their new DVD player and wife's diamond necklace. No can do. Never shoot a fleeing felon unless you have damn good reason to believe (based on very recent behavior) that they will harm someone in the immediate future. I carry, but I must admit, it is a little scary to know you are choosing to keep within your power the ability to kill someone with the simple twitch of your index finger. You'd better have good self-control. I know of a few guys that don't, but it is their legal right, and they carry anyway. I know that 10 years ago, I was not ready to carry. I was too hot tempered and bothered by the jerks who cut me off in traffic or gave me the bird. Now, I could care less and I go out of my way, even when carrying to avoid confrontation at all costs. So, as one responder put it earlier, if you like to fight, don't carry. It is a last ditch tool for self-defense. Also, I highly recommend looking through the Cabela's catalog at the many fine pistol safes they have available. Mine is a locked box that is controlled by a pattern typed into a keypad with an alarm and tamper sensors. It can hold two pistols and ammo and is safe if you have children or someone is trying to tamper with your guns. It is also portable and can be taken with you wherever you travel. It cost me approximately $150. It was a great investment and I wouldn't consider another way given I have a curious 2 year old. If you feel the need, carry. It is your right by the US constitution. Good luck and be careful.