aww babe this sounds awful
i really hope they catch this scumbag but not at the expense of something happening to you !

Oh boy, this is worrisome. That some bizarro guy is out there stalking you, or anyone, is just scary. As you already know, just keep a watch on your surroundings, don't go anywhere that is devoid of people. And start practicing your swing with your bat so you can knock him outta the park if it comes to that.

Stay safe.

If you are getting a gun for home security, a shotgun is the best way to go.

Just remember, if it comes down to using the weapon on a human being, you are responsible for ending a life.

And from what I understand, you can still be inprisoned for taking a life. Even if it is self defense.

I hate creeps

It is rare that you are actually imprisoned for defending yourself. Many states have a "retreat" law where you must retreat as far as possible before you shoot your assailant. Thankfully my state of Goergia does not require that and I am able to "stand my ground" if it is necessary.

If you get a gun for self defense, contact a firing range in your area that gives instruction and training in firearms (assuming that you do not already possess this training) and learn how and when to use it. Most ranges have a certified instructor on staff who will assist you.

Choices of firearm are an individual thing. In my opinion micajah is correct in regards to a gun for home defense. I am not entirely familier with your situation but if you are getting one to carry on you and your state allows you to get a concealed weapons permit, then I would recommend a snub nosed .38 special revolver. They require less care and in times of danger there is less to remember other than aim and fire.

As far as ending a human life, my personal opinion is that I would much rather end his than have him end mine.

shoot first, ask questions later.

Colorado does not have trespassing laws? If the "guy", I prefer the asshole, is not a tenant of your building/complex or an invited guest your landlord should be able to ban him. Write - again write - a letter detailing the facts; following you, outside your door, et cetera and complain that they (the landlord) has not taken any steps to insure your safety. I would also complain in writing to chief of the local police department and prosecutors office.

Nobody wants a paper trail of complaints about security and risk a lawsuit.

If it turns out the info he gave you is accurate, you could try to get a restraining order, in which case he could be arrested for coming within a certain distance of you or your building.
*check's Vice's profile for location* - Colorado! The state gun laws there are probably pretty friendly to gun ownership and using firearms for self-defense, but your local government may have other ideas.
I concur with the advice given above: shotguns are noisy and intimidating even when you miss, and a snub-nose revolver can be carried easily. Revolvers have fewer moving parts than automatics, so they're less likely to jam, and .38s have pretty good stopping power.
There's a Gun Owners group here on SG if you're looking for more advice.
Hopefully, this guy is nothing but a harmless, if creepy, nuisance.

How about one of those cool tasers?

Others have covered the gun issues as well as I could, so I all I really have to say is that good thoughts go out to you, and I hope you never have to defend yourself. If you do, however, do not hesitate: not only are you defending yourself, you are defending anyone to whom he would do the same thing, later.

I will definitely hope for you to be safe, and well.

Best wishes and stay safe.

oh, wow. i read through your past entries so see what this was all about, and that's scary. i know what you're going through. i've dealt with very similar things and now have restraining orders against two different creepers. it doesn't always make you feel better, though. i mean, it's just a piece of paper. it's not gonna stop them from getting to you if they really want to. but, at least you know that if they do try anything again, they're pretty much finished and will be going to jail at that point. my brother went and got me mase and a body alarm, and my boyfriend took me to buy a gun and then he taught me some self defense moves, and i felt much better. you're not a coward, and you're not helpless. you just need to arm yourself with the right tools and get in the proper mindset. <3 i hope everything sorts itself out and you're feeling much better very soon.

wow.... i hope he gets arrested, and your okay.
smart thinking with the private investigator.