The main reason to carry a pistol every day. Is JUST IN CASE.
We can not ever know when we will need to deploy the pistol we carry every day. But where you live, where you travel, how we travel? These are factors we can examine, and as I am long retired, possibly modify.
We came to Florida for a 6-month stay with my Son. In 2004. And stayed, going the legal way, having my Son sponsor me, and I, in turn, sponsoring my Wife. Now at this time, of 26 years.
Two years ago, whilst I was reading my library book. Parked outside the local Publix Grocery store. And having my Wife shop (I do not like grocery shopping!)
I received a concerned Cell phone call "I am being stalked by two Hood Rats,
where ever I go, one of them is close, no cart or basket with either one"
I arranged to be under the overhang, my Security Marked Jeep parked, me leaning against the rear. So when she came out, she would walk by me. I would be a blocker, as in an ambush. When I was seen, holding their pants up, they departed, across the parking lot (No vehicle!) I saw no sign of any weapons. At that time I was carrying a Glock Gen 4 Glock 19. I had shot lots of rounds, in IDPA sports competition. Carried working for my Sons Security Company in uniform.
That was a real threat. Looking back on the incident. Assessing the reality, if weapons would have been produced, my Wife would have been out of the line of fire, and behind the young men, a curved wall as a backstop. Range 7M.
As a volunteer with the Orange County Sheriffs Dept, I somewhat understand how the responding Officers would react, had they received from dispatch those details? Plus response time with the road coverage in that area most likely would have been 15 minutes! A guestimate.
As it was, no problem. Yes, I shop with the Lady Now!