Here is a story for you all that changed how I view carrying a weapon...
Labor day weekend several years ago, I got back into town from a camping trip with every firearm I owned in my truck. After I unloaded all my gear (including weapons) and hopped into my truck to run to the store for some dinner. Less than 2 blocks from my house, I come around the corner in time to see a 90 pound pit bull scale a 3' chain link fence to go after an older couple on a nice afternoon stroll. It was clear the dog had bad intentions and something needed to happen and quick. Now mind you only a few minutes earlier I could have easily handled this situation (and would have without thinking twice) but now all I had was a puny Leatherman and a 3/4 ton diesel. Well I tried to run the dog down with my truck while yelling and honking - without even phasing the dog. I ended up getting in between the couple and the dog just long enough for the old man to jump into the back of the truck but before his wife could make it the pit turned towards her. Thankfully she was able to grab a trash can and fend off the dog long enough for the dog's owner to finally came outside to see what all the ruckus was about and put her dog away. I had the Leatherman in my hand and figured if it came to it and the dog got a hold of either one of them I would do what I could but I REALLY did not like my odds. To make things worse, because of the holiday I could not get the cops or animal control to respond so nothing ever happened to the dog or the owners and for as long as I lived there that dog was still around which made me nervous with all the kids in the neighborhood.
Now I carry regardless if I am in the woods or town and I always have a knife in my pocket. I have spent way too much on firearms and shooting over the years to be completely unprepared if the need ever arises gain. I honestly feel like I did everything I could in the situation and feel like we all got VERY lucky but I would feel terrible if I was ever put in that position again and the outcome was worse.
On the other hand, I just picked up the Ruger LCR in 357 - it weighs in at just a touch over 20oz loaded yet it really is not that bad to shoot. I tuck it into my cargo pocket or on my hip and don’t really even know it’s there. I know 357 is not the greatest bear round but with the right bullets it will do the trick and it will definitely handle anything else running around here in Colorado (regardless of 2 or 4 legs).