The anti-gun advocates have former New York Mayor Micahael Bloomberg and his billionaire buddies.

The pro-gun side has Dr. John Lott.

One of the most thorough researchers on the benefits of defensive gun use and concealed carry and the author of the seminal book "More Guns Less Crime," Lott has come under intense criticism recently for his views on the effect of gun ownership on crime and whether a few responsible civilians armed with handguns might have prevented at least some of the recent terrorist carnage in France.

Grand View Outdoors had the chance to chat with Lott during the Media Direct luncheon at this year's SHOT Show where he answered his critics and explained for the first time why he's licensed to carry concealed.