re: Pros/Cons to getting CHL. Opinions wanted

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Anti-gun folks will hate you. Others without gun exposure may feel uncomfortable with you when you carry.

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Hate towards you and others feeling uncomfortable around you can only happen if you've told folks you're carrying. One of the rules of concealed carry, "CANT=Carry Always, Tell Never." The only people who I've told that I carry are close friends who also carry and family. Even then, I don't announce it to my family every time I'm w/ them that I'm carrying. My wife doesn't say anything about me carrying, but body language shows she's not excited about it. OTOH, a few months ago we were in a situation (out of town, very dark night, totally foreign surroundings, etc) that was a little unnerving. She turned to me and says, "You DO have you're gun, don't you!?"

One thing folks notice more when after they start carrying concealed is situational awareness. I find myself being a LOT more aware of circumstances and taking MORE precautions to avoid potential problems now than I ever did pre-cc.

Someone who cc will have additional responsibilities, as well. Depending on they're state of residence, they may be required to tell police they're carrying; there are a LOT of places one can't leagally cc (in LA, church, parades, courthouse and parades are just a few; federal law excludes legal cc in federal buildings, as well, e.g. post office); someone who cc will need to be safe w/ storage of their gun(s) at home and in the car (especially if any young ones are at around).

Nevertheless, to me it's a worthwhile endeavor. I've also encouraged a number of my friends and family to pursue it.