> Given that something like one in twenty or so adults in most parts of the country are probably carrying a firearm at any given time I think that’s a gross ov

> Given that something like one in twenty or so adults in most parts of the country are probably carrying a firearm at any given time I think that’s a gross overestimation. I would guess that most CCW permit holders hardly ever carry in practice (source: used to have one). There are states where you don’t need a permit to own a pistol at all. In others, you may not technically need one to take your gun to the shooting range (because after all, if you own one, you should practice) but... If you’re stopped by police in a context where you don’t need a permit, it’s still always better to have one. If the police aren’t aware of the law or the particular permit exception you fall under, the best likely outcome is you get put in a cage while they figure it out. Having a permit helps avoid that.