I've been asked that question before and depending on the situation will dictate my answer. I'm not ashamed of my guns but in some situations I don't like getting into it.

On a similar line I was asked once why I felt I need a gun for home protection. I answered with the old boyscott motto: "always be prepared" The follow up question was: "Have I ever needed a weapon?"
My response was: "have you ever had a house fire?" answer: "NO" I went on: "but you still have homeowners insurance that covers a house fire don't you?" That pretty much ended the Q & A.