[Karys]

Spectre6,

One thing that has helped me in past similar situations is having a secure place to store your guns at home. It's kind of an out of sight, out of mind type of thing, but it also helps to demonstrate that you're a safe gun owner and that you take owning firearms seriously. There are all sorts of options there. I bought a Homak metal gun "safe" that you can bolt to the wall or floor. I'm currently living in an apartment myself and my safe is pretty light and easy for one person to move. It would be nearly impossible for someone to pry it off the wall though. I would just spackle the holes and sand them a little bit before you move out. I've never had a problem getting my security deposit back. It sounds like it's going to take a lot of discussion to convince your girlfriend that you're better off having guns than not having them.

As for a pistol for CCW, you opened up a can of worms there. I personally like Glocks, but you need to find a gun that fits you well and that you can shoot comfortably. One of the rules of thumb is to carry the most powerful caliber that you can shoot accurately, but remember the gun has to fit your hand and be comfortable enough to carry on a daily basis. I'd suggest you find a range that does rentals and try several different models before you buy.

I used to work the night shift in downtown Philly and I carried my Glock 29 with me in a fanny pack every night. I left my gun in my truck when I arrived at work and I wouldn't even think of taking it into the building. Where I worked was very secure and I had no worries that my vehicle would be broken into and my gun stolen. That's another thing you should think about before deciding to carry to work. Check your company firearms policy too. I carried every night but I would have gotten fired if anyone knew I had a firearm in my vehicle. That's why I preferred a fanny pack. No one knew what was in it and I didn't have to worry about someone seeing me put on or take off a holstered gun.