[cat in the hat]

always good to learn that another person is taking responsibility for their own safety

lots of great advice above that, as an instructor, I would echo; find a gun that fits your hand and needs, try before you buy, reputable stores for advice, and others.

as n part time CCW instructor, I also recommend looking for proper training. NOT the guy at the range with lots of "cool guy gear" who offers unsolicited advice when you are shooting at the range.

one thing I always emphasize is dry fire practice. it will enhance your basics, grip, stance, sight alignment, sight picture, front sight focus, steady trigger press and surprise break, without spending as much money. then when you go to the range, you can spend all your time with follow through and accuracy.
get some dummy rounds and you can practice reloads safely as well.
like anything else, learn the basics first and then pick up some advanced techniques

once you are carrying on a regular basis, remember that states have different laws on WHERE you can carry ,, (church, bars, private establishments) duty to inform law enforcement when stopped. do your homework on states you visit. googe CCW reciprocity map as a start.