No one "wants" to live in a area that has significant crime. Unfortunately, crime tends to move in. It takes 20-30 years to pay off a house. a lot can happen to a neighborhood in that span of time, and by that time one might not have the wherewithal to move away. If one did, crime would likely move in there as well.
It is just Her-Heidiness and myself here. Hence, my piece is ALWAYS within arm's reach, or on my person. Being a Glock 27 (sub-compact .40), it is always chambered and cocked. This weapon is safe to do so, because, if in serviceable condition, it cannot go off if dropped, and one better not put their finger inside the trigger guard unless intending to pull the trigger. The safety is directly associated with the trigger, so there is no possibility of trying to fire a round with the safety on.
Thanks for sharing your words of wisdom. I like your style !
This old world is just not a place to be unprepared to defend yourself. It is certainly sad, but it is true. If I lived in a place where folks felt that they could leave their doors unlocked, I would be no different, because such an area would be ripe for the picking for a one-time criminal like myself.
I pack a sub-compact (with a grip extender for my pinky, which would hang off otherwise), because it conceals very well, and I can pack it all day with no ill effects or discomfort. I pack a .40 as a compromise between the accuracy of the 9mm and the stopping power of the .45. I use Black Talons, or Ranger SXTs (Talon without the moly coat), because they make a big mess, and do not tend to pass through. I am well-practiced, because one should be, and because a sub-compact amplifies anything you do wrong with your trigger work. I have a laser sight in my recoil spring, because night sights make you visible when you don't want to be. The laser can be turned on and off with the trigger finger, at will. I practice sight shooting, and from-the-hip shooting, with and without laser, always with no regard to foot position, and never firing from the same position twice in succession, all because you never can predict what conditions will be in play when you need to act to stop an attack.
I do not hunt. So, having said all of what I've said, I "pray" that I will never have to use any of my firearms for what I have them for. The legalities are tremendous, and the emotional costs are worse. I have had to threaten deadly force on numerous occasions, and have had men at gunpoint a couple of times. In the aftermath, you are left in a state of rage, for what "that idiot" almost made you do.
If you can't drop the hammer, don't carry the piece. "Bad guys" are very good at assessing your willingness, on the spot. A split second of indecision can mean life or death. Your best protection is your ability to think, and utilize wisdom. The piece is for backup, only.
Be safe out there.
Enjoy,
Rich P