There is some great info on this thread!! I'm from MI and both my husband and I have a ccw permit. Its not that either of us wish to use it, its more that this is our right and we exercise it. I walk a lot after dark and I do sell things on craigs list. I feel safer having a gun, its just that simple. the entire family lives on our farm and one member has a heroine problem and I don't feel safe with him around. He is a thief and for a short time was stopping at my house when he knew my husband was gone. I did not feel safe and I was home alone with my kids. Did I have to use it, no, but I made darn sure it was handy, just in case. People do stupid things, especially when they have a drug problem. I also watch for coyotes, woodchucks, and other vermin to dispose of. Our local sheriff feels everyone has the right to carry and he stands firmly behind that right. The government has enough control over what we can and can't do, this is one area that I'd rather they leave alone. I heard somewhere "people with guns are free citizens, and that when the government takes the guns you become subjects", just some thing to think about...