Most importantly, if you aren't confident you can carry the gun safely, don't carry it until you learn how to do that from a competent instructor.
OK, guys. Allow me to recount a conversation I have at least twice a week with customers. It might put things into perspective.
Him: "I need a gun. What, with all the gangs and secular humanists and people in political office I don't like, yada yada..."
Me: "OK. What have you shot before?"
Him: "Well, I shot with my buddy once back in 1974. He knew a cop. The gun was a big thing, with a thingamabob hangning off the bottom..."
Me: "OK...um, what's the intended purpose of the gun?"
Him: "CCW. EDC. Concealed. Tactical."
Me: "Well, for a new shooter, I'd recommend something..."
Him: "Hey, lemme see that one!"
Me: "That's a very small gun, with a long trigger pull and marginal sights. It's not the best thing to learn with."
Him: "What's there to learn? You point the thing, you pull the trigger 'till the clip's empty."
Me: "Well, there's more to it than that. We offer classes..."
Him: "Oh hell, no. Look, I know you're here to
sell stuff, but I just need a gun. I want it as small and light as possible, so it fits in my pocket."
Me: "OK. We've got a couple of pocket holsters that..."
Him: "I already told you. I don't need a holster. I just need the gun. You're trying to ramp up the sale and rip me off. This is why I hate gun shops!"
Me: "Oh, sweet Jesus."
Him: "What?"
Me: "Nothing. I can assure you that you at least need a..."
Him: "Just give me some shells and let me get on my way. Can you load it up for me?"
Me: "Hell no. At the very least, please promise me you're going to read the manual."
Him: "Whatever. It's my
right."
There are many, many more of these people than you want to believe carrying guns around.