First, I just have to say these people saying "why do you need a gun if you live in a safe neighborhood" really aren't talking sense. This guy lived in one of the "safest" neighborhoods in America and got the pleasure of watching his wife and oldest daughter be raped before they (and his other daughter) were murdered in a home invasion. So you can totally discount what those people are saying (and don't listen to the "get a shotgun" comments).
Regarding the topic of which firearm to choose. Personally, I carry a Sig P220 .45. I would not suggest you purchase or carry anything other than a .38 .40 or .45 caliber. That is just my personal preference thinking that if you ever need to pull (if you pull you fire) then you want to put down the threat.
The considerations to keep in mind are: reliability, accuracy, ease of operation (shootability), carryability and affordability. You need to find a balance among those things to feel confident and comfortable if you do choose to carry.
So you may want to consider a Sig P239 (.357 or .40) or a much less expensive alternative S&W J-Frame .38 or a Kahr MK9.
Your first step should be to go to a gun shop and handle some of these weapons and ask questions of the staff. You need to see what fits your hands and get comfortable with the weight and feel of a pistol.
Finally, there is no harm in going through the process of getting the CCW but never carrying.
Regarding the topic of which firearm to choose. Personally, I carry a Sig P220 .45. I would not suggest you purchase or carry anything other than a .38 .40 or .45 caliber. That is just my personal preference thinking that if you ever need to pull (if you pull you fire) then you want to put down the threat.
The considerations to keep in mind are: reliability, accuracy, ease of operation (shootability), carryability and affordability. You need to find a balance among those things to feel confident and comfortable if you do choose to carry.
So you may want to consider a Sig P239 (.357 or .40) or a much less expensive alternative S&W J-Frame .38 or a Kahr MK9.
Your first step should be to go to a gun shop and handle some of these weapons and ask questions of the staff. You need to see what fits your hands and get comfortable with the weight and feel of a pistol.
Finally, there is no harm in going through the process of getting the CCW but never carrying.
Yes. Generally speaking, you want to have the pistol unloaded and compartmentalized (in the console, glove box, or gun case) and any magazines or ammunition in a separate area of the vehicle. In a gun bag in the trunk or in a separate compartment from the firearm. This is the best approach if you do not have a CCW.
Correction: If you do not have a CCW, the only instances where you are permitted to transport a firearm in your vehicle would be if you are going to or from a gun shop or to or from a gun range.
It would be best to have the firearm in your car in a gun case (or safe) and any ammunition in a gun bag in the trunk. If you are caught at Target or the grocery store with a gun in your trunk, for example, you are asking for trouble.
I see your point ACEBB but let me counter with random home invasions of stranger on stranger where murder does occur is extremely rare. It does happen yes, but it's not commonplace.
I guess I just don't live in the "what if" world when it comes to thinking about being murdered. For you guys that do, no worries. It's your right.
I typically have my weapon in a carry holster loaded but not chambered in the center console. Remember, the firearm can not be visible and I would not suggest putting it under a car seat or in the door for when you have to open it. I have a full-sized truck so the glove box is too far away. Put it somewhere where you can get to it quickly but that it is stable. I guess it is possible to wear it holstered on a hip but wearing a seat belt is problematic.
There is a robbery (defined as using force or the threat of force and/or by putting the victim in fear) every 1.5 minutes in America. There is a home burglarized every 9 minutes in America and 59% of those are via forced entry.
I think you need to revisit some of your assumptions. This isn't "what if" at all.
