Here is what I have found to be important.
#1 - Good gun belt not a dress belt
#2 - Pocket carry is great
#3 - A small BUG I consider a must for pocket carry. (I use it as a NY reload)
#4 - Belt and Inside the Waist Band (IWB) are the best for carry mediium or large gun
#5 - Get different sized guns to meet your needs depending on the situation and weather
#6 - Gun must be 100% reliable
#7 - Gun must point well for you and no one else (Glocks don't work for me but that is just me)
#8 - Follow a routine on how you handle your gun when you take it on and off or load and unload.
#9 - Teach your wife or sig. other how to do #8 incase of accident or medical issue
#10 - Hits are more important that caliber or bullet type.
#11 - 99% of people are obilious about gun carriers (sheeple)
#12 - #1 way to survive a gun encounter is not to be in one
Hope this helps and carry in good health!