Pratical Gunnie Stuff - K.I.S.S.

A very brief summary of the article at Survivalblog: http://www.survivalblog.com/weapons/
It's well worth a quick read, but here's the stuff in a nutshell (that's me, the nutshell...)
1. Keep it Simple.
2. Know your weapon.
3. Know how to clear malfunctions.
4. Being skilled with a handgun can give you a sense of confidence out to 10 yards or better.
In Canada, of course, that last one is not acceptable, since we have no CCW. - But it's still true.
Note: That's a variation of why gangbangers like to carry a gun - that macho thing. But the gangbanger thing is a totally different state of mind from someone looking to protect their families.