"The reason" has become somewhat of a point of confusion. It is my understanding that up until a few years ago the statement "for the protection of person, property or both" as the State constitution reads, was sufficient. Now, they want an applicant to tell them in detail exactly why they, personally, feel a need to protect themselves. Which is why the form says "be specific" with regards to your purpose. One would think that even a casual glance at the local newspaper on any given day would be enough; even without our State and Federal Constitutions expressed reasons. Common sense would be another, but then again, we are speaking of government. I've heard that some new applicants have used, "for the protection of person, property or both" and have been rejected; while others that are renewing their permits have used it, and it is accepted with no problem. It could be that it is dependent on the person reviewing the application. My instructor suggested to me that I use the fact that I am a firearms instructor, often transporting firearms, and that I frequently must travel to and from the office where I work at odd, and often night time hours. I think most of us could come up with reasons to give them that are frequent and truthful in their scenarios, but like you, I question the need to do so. We have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is difficult to exercise those concepts if one lives in constant fear of criminals or worse, has become the helpless victim of a miscreant, and is no longer able to even pursue life itself.
