Interesting question in the sense that when pro gun / anti gun folks start throwning statistics around to support their side of the argument, how can this be factored in? How many serious crimes never happened because someone let it be known they were carrying a weapon? Most people, when in a situation they feel the need to display a weapon never report it, out of fear of arrest or hassles from the police, they just go on their way.. I have been a LEO for a long time, and in my opinion, it happens all the time, and a whole lot of potentially serious crime never takes place because of it, or at least takes place against some other unfortunate person who is not carrying a means of self defence...
Larry