Welcome to the fora, & (soon) to being an armed citizen.
(BTW, the blue words below should be links to other sites.)
1) For finding lots of carry-law-related info quick, click on whatever state you're interested in at
[url]www.handgunlaw.us[/URL]
I've never found more than a minor mistake there, & the PDF for each state links to the laws, AG's office, etc., so you can (AND SHOULD!) go read it yourself.
For instance,
here's the one for Kansas.
Top right of the first page links you to the state FAQ about firearms, the application for a license, the AG's office, etc. It says it was last updated 01FEB12. I think that PDF will answer a lot of your questions.
2) For practical learning, start with a basic safety & intro to shooting class. I'm partial to
NRA classes, being an NRA instructor, but the important thing is to learn (& INTERNALIZE!!) safety. Memorize those 4 rules until you don't even think about them. Then think about them some more.
You can break one rule & probably nothing bad will happen. Break 2 & trouble is more likely. Break 3 & you're pretty much guaranteed to have problems.
Learn to make a good shot on the range, & when you're under stress you'll do OK, even without time to line up the perfect sight picture.
3) Once you have the basics & can make a decent group at, say, 10 yards, take a class focussed on self-defense with a firearm. Again, the NRA offers 2 classes (titled "Personal Protection in the Home" & "Personal Protection Outside the Home"). There are other organizations, lots of instructors with a variety of backgrounds. Check them out before you buy, so you know you're not being taken in by someone with more mouth than experience.
4) To find the right pistol for you, go to a store & handle everything they'll let you handle. It helps to go at a slow time. Remember the rules about keeping your finger off the trigger & the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
Find something that fits your hand, because if you can't control it you can't shoot it safely. Make a list of everything you like.
Then go back & worry about revolver vs. semiautomatic, caliber... All those things that cause debate on any board.
IMO, reliability is the second consideration. This is your life we're talking about. Get a good brand.
Price also has to come in near the top of the "things to consider" list for most people.
Often a brand will carry their grip size & angle through their whole line, or much of it, so if you find a brand that feels like it was made for your hand, get one from them. [That's one reason I love my Glocks.]
For caliber:
In general, bigger caliber is better in terms of stopping an attack quickly, but you have to be able to control your shots. So if you're good with a .38 but can't control a .40, get the .38.
Revolver v. semiauto
In general, revolvers are simpler machines, but have lower capacity & are thicker, so harder to conceal. (Not a problem here, this is a site dedicated to open carry.)
In general, semiautos are more complicated machines (though still a low failure rate), but have a higher capacity & are thinner.
I prefer semiautos mostly because of the capacity (nobody ever wished for less ammo).
Try to find a range that has rentals for the things you're thinking about buying, or ask around to see who has one of whatever you think you'd like. Buy a box of ammo for your new friend & one for you & probably they'll let you try it out.
5) For practical carry-related learning, find books by Massad Ayoob, Jeff Cooper, Kathy Jackson... help me out, guys, who else is really good? Speaking of Kathy, her website
[url]www.corneredcat.com[/URL] is aimed at women, but has a wealth of useful info for anyone to think about.
6) Start asking around & reading to get the names of a couple good criminal defense lawyers in your area, preferably ones who are 2A friendly. Put their numbers in your cell phone, keep their cards handy, & give their contact info to whoever you'll call if you're ever arrested.
7) Watch the videos at
[url]www.flexyourrights.org[/URL] about how to deal with nonconsenual encounters with police. Those are also available on YouTube.
Watch the video on
YouTube about why you shouldn't talk with police if they're investigating you. The first half-ish is a law professor talking at warp speed. The second half is a law student & ex-LEO who starts out by saying "what he said", & goes on to explain why you shouldn't talk to police.
