New handgun owner (less than 2 months). SA XDM 3.8 Compact .40. I am looking at getting the Remington 870 also (if I can figure out which version), and probably a Ruger .22LR of some type.
You might want to consider the S&W Military & Police 15/22 for the 22. It’s enough of a bad-looking gun that it might save you from having to actually shoot it in anger.....
“New handgun owner (less than 2 months). SA XDM 3.8 Compact .40. I am looking at getting the Remington 870 also (if I can figure out which version), and probably a Ruger .22LR of some type.”
I like your SA XD(M) choice, though mine, an XD .45 acp makes a bigger hurt, and I have 13 rd mags (legal here where I am in OH). I have a Mossberg 500 12 ga pistol grip w/20” barrel and another Mossberg 500 (standard stock) with two interchangeable barrels...a 28” Accuchoke & a 24” Slugster - note, having them both being the same mfg, everything is the same, safety, releases, etc. A Ruger 10/22 is a nice rifle for learning, varmints and scoped it could be used when necessary on 2 legged varmints. A Ruger Mark I (22 LR) is a favorite...low cost ammo in a semi-auto for training and for fun.
I am naturally left handed, but semi-autos are more easily handled in the right hand. I have learned that I can shoot either right or left handed, so I am practicing/training myself to shoot the handguns right handed. For me, accuracy is good with either hand.
I am into my 4th quarter century, and have been a gun owner only a little more than a year. I have had good advice from those who know, and they have worked with me. My ‘range’ is outside my kitchen door (I am in a semi-rural area, and the ‘range’ is backed up by a rather dominant hill. Neighbors do not complain; some have joined me in practice sessions.
My son, a marine (active 8 yrs) and in law enforcement, says I need to add both an AK-47 and an AR-15 to my defensive armament. Shopping for those.