I hiked the top half of the trail in 2010. Started in PA then through NJ, NY, CT, MA, VT, NH and finally ME. Anyone who has hiked considerable distances for weeks or months on end will tell you that you'd be dumb to carry - due to the weight. Statistically speaking, you're in some of the safest areas in the country along the trail. Has stuff happened on the trail, yes, but it is extremely unlikely. Most of the people you meet off the trail are salt of the earth Americans that live in the tiny towns around the trail.
I'll carry a tiny pistol on a weekend hike, but you'll be mailing that pistol home before the NC line if you do a thru hike.
I'll carry a tiny pistol on a weekend hike, but you'll be mailing that pistol home before the NC line if you do a thru hike.