First off...there ARE completely violent and unreasonable people out there. Without going into "public record" type details, I've had some firsthand experience quite a bit beyond Nate's. Thankfully I'm still here and some other people are in various stages of the correctional system. Here are a couple of basics... Keep in mind some of this is Georgia law so do your homework on your local regs. Talk to local officers some afternoon in the light of "I am interested in responsible concealed carry" what do I need to do. NRA website can also be helpful but don't take it as the word of a local attorney.

1. ANY shot fired whether in the air, at the car, at their toes, or at their vitals is automatically "intent to kill". This works both ways...if you are fired upon or if you fire on someone/thing else.

2. Evasion buys you enough time to call 911. Stay mobile and public. Don't get boxed in by traffic, stoplights, etc. As long as you are moving you are probably okay. Call 911 and circle a crowded parking lot. Cops move quite a bit faster on a call like that than "someone backed into my benz in the mall parking lot"

3. If possible (with adrenaline, fear, etc) consider the situation from the perspective of a hostile cop and district attorney who want to pin things on you no matter how much of a convict/drug addict/etc was after you. Make as sure as possible you have exhausted ALL options.

4. If you do have to use your weapon (sometimes it is unavoidable) expect to be arrested and have to contact a good (read: expensive) lawyer. In more liberal states and counties the DA is looking to make any charges stick. Doesn't mean you aren't right for defending yourself, you'll just likely have to pay a lawyer to prove it.

5. Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6. Just don't make the lawyer's job any harder than it has to be. Stuff can be replaced (usually for alot less than legal fees) focus on what can't be replaced.

6. If you are going to carry a weapon educate yourself with it, about it, etc. Go to a range, take care of the weapon (cleaning/maintenance), and learn about the ballistics and other issues involved. For example...if you shoot someone who is trying to stab you with a FMJ .357 and it zips right through your target and ends up in some poor person behind them then guess what...yeah bad stuff. Learn why hollowpoints/softpoints/etc are a more responsible choice than FMJ/ball ammo. This doesn't just mean take an afternoon or weekend class and you are good. That is a place to start. Learn your carry, draw, etc movements into muscle memory if possible.

7. Do not reveal you have a weapon unless you are willing to use it. Even if you don't have to fire and hopefully the idiot will back down but if you pull it, be prepared to use it. Most places can charge you with "brandishing" if the weapon is visible. It is a highly subjective charge, just be aware of it.

8. It is also sometimes helpful to keep a disposable camera around to take some kind of photographic evidence of you being harassed/approached/etc. The $12 you spend on it can go along way and they keep years. It can also be a reality check for someone about to do something stupid. Don't use anything that relies on batteries, you forget to charge them, they go dead at bad times, etc. Film only.

Last...when you are capable, educated, and secure in what all your options are from simple evasion to lethal/permanent consequences you will be in a better position to make the right decision in a tense situation.

For concealed carry I am partial to a glock 27. Not much else beats it for firepower, reliability, and size. 45 is a personally preferred caliber for defense but putting it in a very small package causes issues. 40 is about 90% as good ballistically, packages easier, and ammo is available everywhere. Kimbers are an awesome gun but more target oriented (very tight tolerances and whatnot) and can be more fussy with ammo. If I had to have a bedside gun that is simply a joy to shoot...get a kimber. Cars and concealed carry in general are hot, cold, dusty, etc....use something more utilitarian. Revolvers are not bad but that gets into personal preference. If a revolver is your bag, a 357 (also shoots 38 for cheaper practice) in titanium from someone like taurus or S&W makes a solid choice.

Be safe....hope this helps