[Spectre6]

I have had an intrest in firearms (all mechanical things really) for many years. I have shot handguns and rifles at various times in my life, but I never owned one. Over the past 6 months or so, ive bought 2 rifles, and I have been having a 'blast' with them (a remington 700 that has grown into a benchrest/beanfield rifle, and an AR-15).

I live with my girlfriend, and she isnt particularly fond of firearms. Her dad has a few rifles, and she grew up in the country were deer season nearly eclipsed christmas evry year.. so she has some familiarity and some level of comfort around firearms.

But, she does inherently dislike guns.. She realises that guns arent evil, and dont shoot themselves, and are basically just tools.. but she just doesnt like them. Im not sure if this was ingrained in her by media, or her peers. Her family is not anti-gun.

When I went about getting my first rifle, I really wanted to make sure that it wouldant make her uncomfortable having a firearm in our apartment. And it hasnt been a problem.

This background brings me to my question. I recently started a new job working second shift (3pm-1am). I get home (I live in downtown) at about 1:45am. As im sure alot of you are aware, some 'not-so-wholesome' charictors hang out downtown in the wee hours of the morning. I recently have been considering a handgun and a CCW for protection.

I know this would make my girlfriend uncomfortable, which is a big issue for me. I dont think it will affect my decision to purchase a handgun, but I really dont want to force her into an uncomfortable situation.. does anyone have any advice on this? I have tried to get her to come shooting with me, I know that would change her image of firearms.. even if she didnt enjoy shooting, she would see me and others enjoying it just like someone would enjoy fishing. Just louder. It seems like today there is a notion that if firearms are involved, something is very wrong.

Also, does anyone have any advice on what to consider for a carry pistol?