Do you carry a gun when visiting your C-F class properties?

[Wy Kay]

Would like to hear from others on this one.

Often, when I tell someone about an apartment building located in a class C neighborhood in NYC, the first question they ask is whether I carry a gun when visiting the property. The building isn't the safest and I have had gangs/drug dealers make threats in the past but I don't carry a gun or any other type of weapon when visiting the property.

Not just because it's extremely difficult to obtain a permit in NYC but more so because I believe carrying a gun would make me come off as more threatening which in turn can cause others to be more aggressive as well. In addition, don't think someone who isn't highly trained (situational and response training) will necessarily use a gun properly if it actually came down to it.

Some people insist that carrying a gun will cause trouble makers to have more respect.

For those actively managing C-F class properties, do you carry any sort of weapon when visiting a given property?

Why or why not?

[David Woz]

As someone with 25 years as a cop...

1) Do not carry a gun if you can't do it legally.   Places like NYC will prosecute YOU if you use that gun, even if justified in using it.

2). Do not carry a gun if you are not fully trained and plan on continuing that training.   It isn't something you take a weekend course and then think you are done.   It is ongoing and regular training as it is a perishable skill.

Also, if you are carrying, people don't "respect" you because of that.   If you are doing it properly, they won't know you have a firearm.   I can't speak to NYC laws, but in CA, open cary is not legal, so there ins't that element of them avoiding conflict because you are armed.   "Brandishing" or flashing your firearm, even if legally concealed is a crime in most states... So, put it out of your mind that having a firearm will make people avoid conflict with you.  In most circumstances, it creates problems. 

That being said, carrying a firearm isn't for most people because of local laws, but more commonly because their lack of dedication to training.

I would suggest pepper spray or a taser.

Pepper spray for civilians is available at the same levels that the police cary.

Tasers for civilians use the same technology.   The exception is the Tasers for civilians activate for 30 seconds and are designed to deploy, drop the taser and run away.   At 800-1000, it is expensive.

From someone who is a cop and an investor, I would re-think these properties.  If they are that bad, they aren't worth it.

But, if you can do it legally, and are willing to put in the time to train and keep your skills sharp, most cops, including myself,  welcome an armed civilian legally carrying and making good decisions.  

Just my .02 cents.