Hi All, I do have a state issued permit, and have had to use it. I was walking my grey hound, and we were attacked by a pitt bull!!! When my dog went behind me, the pitt bull clamped on to my left arm. I pulled my registered 9MM pistol and shot the dog. I would have rather shot the owner, but the dog was the one that attached. The police were involved and it was determined self defense. Try using a martial arts against a pit bull...BJ