The position of the person - side of car they are on, any other vehicles near, what are they wearing, are they alone, anything in their hands, anyone else nearby.... Many things go through my mind at one time. Just standing there... Could be sus, maybe innocent or maybe waiting for an easy mark. Could be working with others, could be drugged up, could be homeless. Just standing there by my car at night and I don't know you....creeper vibes.

Phones are probably the biggest distraction. Some have a false sense of security and poor observation skills. Situational awareness is a developed skill.

One of the 1st lessons my dad taught me as a kid, even with BB guns. The other was to always treat a weapon as if it was loaded. He also believed that an unloaded gun was useless, if you needed it then it needed to be loaded. He was a Vietnam veteran.

I started with a .22 Phoenix Arms - smaller hand gun. It helped me get to know handling of the weapon and range use. I grew up with BB & Pellet guns and had shot a .22 rifle of my brother's long before I ever owned a gun myself. Once I was comfortable with that handgun, we bought S&W 9mm, it was supposed to be my husband's gun...lol. I now like that gun more and it is the one I use. I started small because I deal with arthritis in my hands sometimes and I wanted one I could rack. I have since learned a two handed, downward motion that makes it easy for me on the gun I use. I recently obtained my CC. My quest now is a female friendly holster. I don't wear belts and have found that boobs & belly tend to make it difficult for some types of wearable holsters. My husband has challenged me to find a way to carry on my personal rather than in my purse. Any suggestions in that area?

@Jorge Urroz it is striker fire. I have a holster that I could attach to a belt. I keep it holstered in my purse for safety. It is a harder style holster as in it holds it shape when empty, with a release strap, the trigger is covered. I have to dress office casual at work...not sure the fanny pack would gain approval. But it might be an answer when straight casual. There is a ladies night at the local range, I'm gonna have to ask the ladies there what they use. I haven't been for a while, time to change that.