I don't know. I am all for the 2nd amendment, but isn't it kind of silly, everyone packing a gun like it's a war zone? I have lived in Houston for 15 years now, and I come and go as I please, in shabby, dark sides of town often as not. Yes, there is crime, but I cannot say I have ever seen it firsthand, felt threatened, or really felt a need to be packing a firearm for my safety.
I think a big part of this is some people wanna play cowboy. Hey, a real cowboy doesn't constantly fret about his safety. Sheesh, grow a pair, people.
Disclaimer: If I had been mugged, attacked, or someone I know had been, say once a year or so, yeah, I could see it. I would be toting a .45 Colt in a holster, humming "Make My Day". But, seriously, the need ain't there. I may as well be carrying a portable sewing machine in the event my pants split open from too many trips to Dots Diner.