Thanks for all the input, and your warm welcome!

I obviously have LOADS of learning to do. (Like the pun? <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />) We will certainly consider everyone's suggestions very carefully, and rest assured, there is no way that we'd purchase anything without serious training/instruction. I have tremendous respect for weapons in any form.

I suspected there were a few other females on the boards...I'm glad to know I won't be alone here! Also good to know that there are fellow OC people here! So, when the SHTF, I'll see you guys in gridlock on the 5?? lol

Regarding my husband's friend...he was pretty discreet about discussing the new gun. And I understand what you're saying about keeping it on the DL. They were actually in a discussion about some severely under-reported story out here about 2 guys that apparently were caught attempting to set fires outside L.A. recently. His coworker said that the story was really low key, but supposedly there was much more to it...not sure what the deal was, but he heard there were many more involved. As far as I know, it was a bunch of rumors; I have no idea where his info came from.
Anywho, his friend brought up the preparedness topic, and my husband mentioned that it would probably be a good idea to have extra food and water on hand "just in case."
The coworker agreed, and said he and his fiance are working with an area gun dealer, trying out different guns, and getting instruction. They won't get their 9mm until they are done with instruction. They have some emergency supplies on hand, and decided to get a gun that could be used to make sure they don't have to share their supply "unwillingly."

Thanks again to everyone! I look forward to reading & learning more on these boards!