The States have been a new unexplored world and people were used to carry guns from to protect themselves. Nowadays some states are strict with gun laws and may deny you the right to carry. You may see which states can give you trouble here: http://www.handgunlaw.us/LicMaps/ccwmap.php

In Europe it's completely different. They are trying to deny citizens their right to defend their homes and it's difficult to get a permit. In some countries the laws are so stupid, you can't even shoot an unarmed attacker in your home. Somebody jumps your fence, smashes the window, gets inside and starts going through your stuff, you wake up, grab a pistol you have a permit for and shoot, you go to jail. Crazy, right?