Let's face it, we live in a violent society. The average middle-class American doesn't see it, but those of us that invest in lower income neighborhoods see it every day. For an average, honest, middle-class or upper-class citizen, discovering the reality of lower income America can be quite a shock (I know, it was to me). Whether you're a wholesaler that sells lower income properties to landlords or you're a landlord yourself, you could be involved in a violent encounter at any time. Drugs are rampant in low income areas and many drug addicts will do ANYTHING to get their drugs. Real estate investors (rehabbers, wholesalers, and landlords) are seen by many as rich fatcats who are prime targets for criminals (especially when you're on their turf).

So, my question is do you carry a handgun for protection? If so, what kind of gun do you carry; how many rounds does it hold; what caliber is it; do you carry extra ammo; what kind of ammo do you carry; and what training have you had?

Since I'm asking the question, I'll start. Ohio passed its concealed carry law about 5 years ago - about the same time that I started buying low income apartment buildings. After seeing the things that happen in low income areas, I decided that it would prudent to be able to protect myself from the druggies and other criminals that frequent these areas. So, I took a concealed carry class and bought a .32 Cal Beretta Tomcat, which is an 8 shot, semi-automatic pistol. I chose this gun because it was very small and easy to conceal. I carried this gun until early 2009.

In December 2008 (approximately), I was the only witness to an arson fire/attempted murder at a building near one of my low income apartment buildings. The perpetrator was a well-known local criminal who has been arrested over 200 times, including a felony conviction for assaulting a police officer. I have previously had this guy arrested for criminal trespass. Shortly after the incident, I had him arrested again for criminal trespass and he spent significant time in jail. He got out and decided that threatening me and stalking me would be a good idea. He claimed to have a gun. I decided that this was a little more serious than just a general threat and I got a restraining order against him. He almost immediately violated that restraining order and was arrested again.

Since things were getting more serious, I decided that I should carry a more powerful handgun and started doing research. Using the same process that I used to start my rental business, I fully immersed myself into getting this education. I read articles on the internet; studied several books; and even read some FBI reports on the "stopping power" of handguns. What I discovered was truly astounding. I discovered that people don't get shot and immediately drop to the ground (let alone die) like you see on tv. Even the largest caliber handgun will not knock a person off their feet, unless it destroys the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord). I also discovered that being shot typically will only kill a person when they bleed out. According to my research, even a person that is shot in the heart will still have about 14 seconds to continue attacking you! Moreover, in MANY instances criminals have been shot multiple times in vital areas and still continued the attack!

In my research, I discovered that about 80% of shots fired in real life gunfights miss their target. I also discovered that about 80% of people that are shot survive. More strikingly, I found that the majority of gunfights happen with the combatants within 6 to 10 feet of each other and almost all gunfights happen within 15 feet. All that practice at the range shooting at 50 feet is worthless in a real gunfight.

So, here is where I'm at today. I have taken an advanced pistol fighting course - a very good idea for anyone carrying a handgun. I also upgraded to a 16 shot Glock model 22 in .40 cal. I carry high grade Hornady self-defense, jacketed hollow point amunition. I also have a spare magazine and a belt holder, although I don't always carry it (how much crap can I carry).

So, how about you? Do you carry a handgun for self-defense and if so, what is it? If you don't carry a handgun, what's your plan for self-defense?

Mike