I haven't yet pulled the trigger and actually bought one yet, but I have taken safety classes and done some target practice. Unfortunately I live in an area where concealed carry is not legal.

With the exception of chicago (and a few other cities like newyork), concealed carry is usually granted. And I say this as someone whose paperwork for the application got lost by the department performing background check, twice (because of my name). Even in new york city and most of california, it is possible, just takes some doing (speak to an attorney that specializes in this) and don't forget the training.

I live in Chicago and concealed carry permits aren't difficult to procure, they're issued by the state of Illinois.

A can of mace might be less likely to end in tragedy and trauma of another kind.