[Hubie]

I just moved in this past weekend, can’t afford much so I took a small rental trailer in a less than good part of town. It’s in a small trailer park right near a main road way just outside the city limits. My neighbors range from an elderly pair to the usual suspects who party all night and know the cops by there first names.

Well the GF and I decided we needed a bit more firepower round here so I was given permission to go shopping and run up some credit card bills

I hit a local shop not really knowing what I wanted, just knowing I wanted to replace a Charter Arms 38 special undercover model which was okay for it’s time but has seen better days

The trailer were in is a small singlewide with a small open awning type carport attached to the end and the other houses are built similar and close together. I really had no idea what to get so the gunshop guy showed me a nice used Glock 19, it was really nice and came with a 15 round magazine and two 10 round magazines he wanted 399 for it so I bought it.

Looking at my pistol I wonder if I should of gone with a 40 or a 45, they had a full size Glock 45 and he wanted 550 if I remember correctly. Also I thought about a shotgun to they had a couple of nice pumps with 18 inch barrels which would have made a good home gun but I’m not to sure.

Anyone have any help to offer me I want to get a good gun and maybe even one for my girlfriend to, she likes the glock.

All I know is I want to find a good gun right for the job.

[10-Ring]

I'd go pump shotgun to complement that 19 ;)

[DigMe]

I agree. Go with a good pump shottie. You can get a great shotgun for half the price of that Glock 19 too, believe it or not. I have a Remington 870 Express Magnum that I like. Lots of people have also been happy with Mossberg for home defense and they can be had cheaply.

brad cook

[Zundfolge]

Load that G19 up with some +p JHPs and you should be good to go ... sounds like you got it at a good price too.

I agree with others that a 12ga would be a nice addition (and a decent pump gun can be had without breaking the bank ... load it up with some double-ought buckshot and your set).

More importantly, go to WalMart and buy you a couple three boxes of 100rd Winchester white box and take the girlfriend out and the two of you burn it all up. Shot placement is the key, and practice leads to better shot placement.

Also, learn the 4 rules and make sure the GF is well versed in them too.

1. Every gun is loaded
2. Never point the muzzle at anything you aren't willing to kill or destroy
3. Don't touch the trigger untill you're ready to pull it
4. Know your target and whats behind it

[rugerfreak]

G19 goes with me everywhere----no matter what part of town.

[rick_reno]

I've lived in the bad parts of towns (East Palo Alto in the 70's, Harlem in the mid 80's and briefly in what I'd describe as a white ghetto in Worchester, MA that was worse than either of the previous two). I found when you're living in these parts of towns there is seldom anything to worry about. The expectation is you're not there because you want to "experience life" - you're there because you have no money and therefore aren't usually a target. The criminal element know that the pickings are usually better elsewhere. Only once in these places did I really need a firearm, and that was in Harlem when a group of street thugs thought they should hassle me - it wasn't about money - it was just a street hassle. You might find this doesn't work if you start parking your new Porsche outside your trailer, but if you look/act like the people around you (within reason) you'll probably not get hassled.

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Hubie and Welcome Aboard! Come on in,
pull up a chair, and have a cup of coffee!

Heck, I make my living in the ghetteo of Poverty, U.S.A.
Crime runs rapid here, so its best to saddle up with your
favorite firearm.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Min]

You might want to invest in ballistic armor, level II. You can buy a used one (but unused, if you know what I mean) for $100.

[foghornl]

Don't live, but do work in a "bad part of town". So, I go to work after sunrise, and leave before sunset.

[Majic]

First do your G/F know how to shoot? If not then the Glock is not the way to start until she get her skills. The shotgun would be better followed by a DA revolver of some type.

[sm]

My mom's part of town has gone downhill, I set her up with a shotgun some time ago.

I went over last night to mom's place , something had come up.
Mom had her SG in its place-handy and nearby as usual. Asked if I heard the shots right before I pulled up. I didn't tell her I'd seen them richocet off the street in the distance.

I have beefed up security around her place, motion lights and heavy steel doors.

[TarpleyG]

Welcome. I concur with what most others said. A G19 is nothing to laugh at but I would consider the 12ga as well, loaded with #4 buck considering your living quarters and the close proximity (I normally advocate 00 buck).

On the shottie, no need for anything fancy. You can pick up an older (maybe beat up a little) 870 with an 18" bbl for well under $200 with a wood stock that will outlive you and will definitely suffice. Make sure that you and the GF get real proficient with it. Like Dave M says, "use it until it feels like a body part.", or something like that.

GT

[TheeBadOne]

For each door (inside) I'd get 2 peices of flat metal and a section of 4x4, or metal rod/pipe. Make a nice set of braces and slide the wood/metal across to secure your door from everyone but the Hulk.

[Hubie]

Thanks for all the information

The GF is knowledgeable with firearms and I’d say she’s above novice and overtly careful with them or at least she appears that way to me.

I was thinking about a gun just for her but I want her to pick it out whatever she is comfortable with but I do like the idea of a gauge next to the bed at night.

Hopefully this location will be temporary until we can save enough money to find higher ground, something further out in the country is what were both aiming for.

No Porsche in the driveway just a 1995 Honda Civic.

We plan to go shooting this weekend and I also plan to have her a gun soon.

[Poohgyrr]

A Glock 9mm is fine. I'd like to see her shoot different guns to see if she has any strong likes or dislikes. A good used Remington 870 should be pretty cheap. Another good choice, but might cost more, would be a short carbine, like the Marlin Camp Carbine in 9mm or .45.
Best.

[krept]

100% I agree that you made a great choice and a pump would be perfect compliment.

Rapid, accurate fire is what will stop the threat the fastest. A .40 or .45 may have too much recoil for a novice such as your GF and a 9mm seems the best of both worlds (fast but hits hard enough) with quality ammunition. Plus, the cartridges are cheaper so you get a little more practice.

While I prefer a .45 my ccw carries 8+1 of 9mm, which is less than your Glock and I feel just fine with it.

Key is not to make yourselves an easy target. Be smart, harden the perimeter as much as possible.

cheers

[lee n. field]

I've lived in the bad parts of towns (East Palo Alto in the 70's, Harlem in the mid 80's and briefly in what I'd describe as a white ghetto in Worchester, MA that was worse than either of the previous two). I found when you're living in these parts of towns there is seldom anything to worry about. The expectation is you're not there because you want to "experience life" - you're there because you have no money and therefore aren't usually a target. The criminal element know that the pickings are usually better elsewhere. Only once in these places did I really need a firearm, and that was in Harlem when a group of street thugs thought they should hassle me - it wasn't about money - it was just a street hassle. You might find this doesn't work if you start parking your new Porsche outside your trailer, but if you look/act like the people around you (within reason) you'll probably not get hassled.

We lived in a "white trash" (though better integrated than the good parts of town) type trailer park from 1979 to 1991. I agree with most of what you say. Usually there isn't that much trouble. However -- a lot of those people are there at least partly because they aren't that bright and/or have personality flaws. They _will_ prey upon one another.

The stories I could tell. . . . Finding a used hypodermic lying in the street. The woman next door whose "boyfriend" torched her car at 11pm one evening. The charming a-hole who trashed my place after we vacated. An average of 2 trailer fires a winter, every year.

Reliable .45 for when mobile. Inexpensive 12 gauge pump for in home. Instruction and practice for same.

Choice of ammo -- you can get through trailer walls with a Buck knife, so pick your ammo accordingly.

[blades67]

The G19 will serve you well.

[Old Fuff]

Hubie:

I understand you're situation. I've been there and done that.

First of all, a trailer won't stop a 9mm bullet, and with other trailers being close (as I'm sure they are) over-penetration is a serious problem regardless of what kind of ammunition you use. You don't need to worry about a 9mm stopping the kind of bad guys you usually encounter in a "distressed" trailer park. If they suddenly find out you are armed they will likely hightail it to somewhere else. Do not discuss you're handgun with anyone. If the word gets around, you'll come home and find the trailer and you're belongings trashed. If you can, always take the gun with you rather then leave it in the trailer, and if you move it from place to place (such as to the car) conceal it in a bag or something.

The shotgun is a good idea, but load it with birdshot, not buckshot. Always remember that if you do have too shoot you will be held responsible for anything each and every bullet/shotgun shell you fire does. You may be justified in shooting, but that won't excuse and damage or injury -- or unintentional death the shooting may cause. Don't leave guns in the car when you aren't in it. They're is a fair chance someone will try to steal it (the car I mean) and in the process get you're gun(s).

If the lay-out of this trailer is like most you have a bedroom in the back, and livingroom/kitchen in the front, and a long hallway between with a bathroom off to one side. If you are in the bedroom and someone breaks into the front they have to come down that hallway to get you. Put something like an old bookcase in the living room that is opposite the end of the hallway and fill it with junk books or whatever. If you have to shoot from the bedroom toward the living room it will stop or slow any bullets that miss the intended target. Also provide some reinforced cover for yourself and GF in the bedroom. I wish you luck.

[Oracle]

First of all, you made a very good choice. There are many people who consider the Glock 19 to be the best all around pistol there is. I think that any of the Glock 9mm's are good guns.

I've lived in a rented trailer in a bad part of town before too, and it's not the most fun area in the world to live. But, you do what you can, and it seems that you're taking the appropriate steps to keep yourself and your girlfriend protected.

Two things: You can get the best deal on 9mm practice ammo at Wal-Mart, usually. They have 100-round bulk packs for around $11.00. Secondly, choose your defensive ammo well. I'd go to www.ammolab.com and look at their tests, and make an informed choice. Personally, I like Winchester Personal Defense ammo, available at Wal-Mart for about $10.50 per box of 50.

[QuarterBoreGunner]

'I've lived in the bad parts of towns (East Palo Alto in the 70's'

Yeah that's pretty bad- you wouldn't believe it now though; almost complete turn-around.

I don't live in a bad bart of town, but it's right across the freeway from me. Highyway 101 makes a pretty good barrier though. My wife drives through it on the motorcycle everyday though, she doesn't shoot much and I'm more confident in her ability to evade & evacuate the are on the bike than anything else.

Besides, we're non-combatants; our biggest problems are turf/drug market area wars between the two resident gangs.

[Standing Wolf]

I used to live in the People's Republic of California, where even the high rent districts are the bad part of town. I live in an ordinary blue collar part of town in Colorado, and feel considerably safer.

[Hardtarget]

Remember...the bad guys have cars. They drive to their intended victems...you know, the ones that live in the good part of town. So that makes it all the bad part of town. Just get ready. I think the word is BOHICA . Bad stuff happens every day .
Mark.

[Lt. G]

Welcome,
I agree with the shotgun idea. Get the GF to the range borrow or rent a 12 gauge, 410 and maybe a 357 snubbie loaded with .38s. let her fire away with all of them and then decide. I've got a friend that keeps a single shot 410 shotgun , with a sling outfitted with 10 shells on it. She bought it slightly used for $50. Hope it works out for you, Lt. G

P.S. My son lives with my ex in a bad part of town and she is an antigun big time. Hope he comes to live with me soon.

[HBK]

Good luck, Hubie. Save your money and move to the country as you plan. THe Glock will serve you well. A shotgun will be an asset as well.

[Gerald McDonald]

Make sure the g/f can shoot it. I have a brother in law that any Glock he shoots turns into a jamomatic, they are unforgiving of limp wrist I guess. It jams with him, my sis shoots it fine, make sure yours is not a jamomatic when the g/f shoots it. Glock 19 is a great arm that should serve you well no matter what part of town you end up in. Honestly I would buy the 19 over the 40 or 45 models. I am thinking of getting one myself, I have owned a 17 and a 34, both good guns.
Gerald

[Hubie]

Little Update

Well, we took the advice from everyone and I bought a pump, a nice used 870 with 18 inch barrel, also I bought another Glock a 21 .45 auto. (Boy my credit card company is gonna love me!)

My GF fell in love with the 19 and we took it out shooting yesterday and she is a better shot with it that I am. So she keeps the 19 handy and I keep the 21 handy, while the gauge rests comfortably under the bed.

I really, really love the 21, it’s a great shooting gun, accurate as hell and is a .45 to boot!
I got one 13 round mag and a 10 round mag.

Since I bought the 19 and a pump shotgun from him he let me have the 21 for $500, he had it marked at $599, plus he cut a few buck off the ammo and two holsters.