Originally Posted By: LesSnyder
once you have become familiar with the operation and safe handling, you might look into one of the practical shooting sports


100% agreed.

Some firearms instructors spread misinformation about how “competition will get you killed on the street.” I don’t agree with those sentiments. Competition is excellent for practicing a number of things safely, such as drawing, holstering, marksmanship, reloading, building speed, engaging multiple targets, use of cover, and so on. Competition is not a replacement for appropriate defensive training, but can be an excellent adjunct. And it is a lot of fun.

I competed for decades and will likely return to competition in the future. I got a lot out of it.