The first rule of a gunfight: HAVE A GUN.
Some people think this is some sort of joke. It is not. It is a reminder that CCW only helps you if you can respond to deadly force with deadly force. If you cannot, you are at the mercy of your attacker. So, if you can legally carry a gun (remember we are the good guys here and no matter how much we dislike politicians we want to be on the right side of the law) do so. Carry one every day into every place that it is legal to do so. If you need to leave the gun in your car, make sure it is locked securely, then reholster as soon as you return to your car. Very simple.
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Illinois sucks only state with no C.C. on the books for average people. You have to be a guard and on duty to carry and if im reading the law correctly even off duty officers are suppose to keep their firearms at home when not on duty. So im stuck with the old rule of thumb…if caught in a situation were you can not get away or hide turn whatever you can into a defensive weapon. Hell now they even got tactical pens