I have been carrying concealed for 30 years. I never, EVER, leave home without it. I will not give criminals license to kill me or my family. Even to the park... no offense. It takes just one sociopath to walk to the park and start shooting at someone that has crossed them or for some other crazy reason.
If there are six things that I've learned in the 35 years I have owned firearms:
1. Treat all firearms as if they ARE loaded.
2. Do not POINT the weapon at anything you do not want to destroy.
3. Keep your finger OFF the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
4. Be aware of your target and what lies BEYOND it.
5. It's better to have a gun and not need it then to need a gun and not have it.
6. Sometimes the mere presence of a firearm is enough to deter a crime.
The ladder I can attest to. An attempted mugging. I was not having it. I drew, he fled, end of story. My favorite kind. I don't want to be put in a situation where I actually have to use it. I truly do not.
Be safe out there people!