Some observations and thoughts...
First, Md has some stiff gun laws, and our Atty General has called for the eventual confiscation of all handguns.
However, all the places that have "Liberalized"(pardon the term) carry laws show a marked decrease in violent crime. Usually only 10% of those eligible do carry after going through the procedures, but that's enough to convince the BGs it's a bad idea to be BGs.
Also, I polled 7 police officers a while back that I knew socially,from Cub Scouts, PTA, or just neighbors. They varied from a State Trooper to a B-more Detective,and all weren't rookies. A street smart bunch,IMO. None thought a gun in the hands of a law abiding citizen made their job harder or more perilous. All took the opinion that a trained, responsible individual carrying was in most ways, a free cop.
OTOH, it's my philosophy that anyplace that's dangerous enough for it to be a good idea for ME(Combat vet,retired Correctional Officer and Firearms instructor) is a very bad place for my family, most of whom do not carry, for various reasons. Avoidance is hardly ever a bad idea.