I’m impressed!
You should consider getting your concealed carry license before 0bama makes it harder...doesn’t mean you have to use it.
That’s a good thought, Clint. I think you’re right.
Me too.
...especially Clint’s point on the CCL.
(I dimly recall something about Colorado being Open Carry at least Once Upon A Time, but give those fruits & nuts from Boulder/Denver enough slack, and they’ll tie it around your neck.)
As far as chosing a handgun, I’d suggest you find a gunshop associated with a firing range so that you can find something that “fits” you by actually firing the thing.
(My personal pet handgun is a 1911A1, which Grandma could only handle if I put it on a gun carriage, and her .380 Auto absolutely disappears into my hand....)