"This is a little embarrassing but I am late to the conservative cause. I truly believe in home protection, but am unsure how to go about it and get safety training and practice, etc. I think we should all be armed, this world being what it is."
I see that you live in NY. I'm sorry. ;) I escaped from there in 91 though, so I sympathize. :)
Check with local gun shops to find out the regulations for where you live. I advise buying a shotgun and a pistol. Shotgun is best for home defense. Pistol, I think there's more regs for in NY.
They'll be able to direct you to safety training as well, then go the the range until you're a good shot!
If you get a shotgun, take it to the skeet/trap range. It's great target practice... and a lot of fun.
Thanks adam_az. You've been very helpful--I look forward to target practice. It sounds like fun!! In addition to being necessary. Thanks for your sympathy too. I used to live in Philly for many years. I moved to the Hudson Valley NY when I got married in 1989. It gets worse every year!