I am looking for some real tips on how to make my first handgun purchase. Just to clarify a few things...this is my first purchase but not my first gun. I was lucky enough to be given a 9mm for my birthday that I really enjoy shooting. I also have some decent experience with the S&W 625. I am not afraid of trying anything that goes bang. I do not enjoy small guns.
I am a noob but not a super noob. I have taken the PTC class but do not have the permit yet due to lack of cash flow. I would like to have a carry gun but am not sure that the 9mm would be enough. I would like to put on my big girl pants and purchase a gun on my own and really make sure I get what I like and I get something that I will be super comfortable using on regular basis.
I know where I can go to purchase one; I am very familiar with Bill's South and Gun Stop. The part that I am not familiar with is what questions to ask. I know what feels good in my hand; the 9mm feels much more comfortable in my hands then the 625. I am a woman and have smaller hands. I know that grips are interchangeable. When it comes to ammo, loads and whatnot that is where my eye glaze and I get the deer in the head lights feeling.
What questions do I ask other then does it go bang? Is there etiquette for purchasing? How do I make myself not look like a complete idiot?
Thanks to everyone who already PM'd me offering help!