MIght I suggest that you start small and simple first (without losing too much protection). My wife loves her Ruger SR22, a smaller .22cal semiauto pistol. Spend lots of time on the range with it (.22 ammo is cheap). Then if you want, you can upgun to a larger caliber. .22 is still deadly and iirc, each bullet hits with the force of wacking someone with a baseball bat. 10 rounds in short order will definitely give a bad guy second thought.
Also beef up home defense with an alarm and other things like suggested here
http://offgridsurvival.com/homeinvasion/
A spray bottle of ammonia at the door can do WONDERS for disrupting a thug’s plans!
Wasp spray has a MUCH longer reach though...
Thanks, I’ll write that one down too!
I think just getting comfortable with a weapon will be a big first step but also beefing up security for our home as well.
My first handgun (I was 20) was a Baretta .22 with flip up barrel and it was cheap to practice with.
My next gun (and first CC) was a Ruger P95 (9MM) - inexpensive and got the job done but was heavy to carry (I’m a small person) on my waistband.
A few years ago I got the Bersa .380 and love that little gun, it conceals easy (I never carry in my purse always on my person), but with smaller caliber, you need to make sure you hit your target because while it will kill, it doesn’t have as much stopping power.
Also, even if your state doesn’t require it, take some concealed carry/tactical classes. I learned a lot from the one the Sheriff’s office offered at the community college when I lived in Phoenix.
And like MHG said, practice drawing all the time, even at home I still do practice runs. Diving for my gun, rolling for cover and aiming at the doorway. You can never have too much practice. And practice at the range whenever you can. Ask for help and tips, you will get them.