Oh, 8 hours of instruction/range time makes you what WV considers 'minimally knowledgeable of the basics'. If you can afford it, get a trainer to give another ten hours at least. You'll thank yourself for it later.

And for what its worth, a .40 caliber weapon is a very high velocity weapon. In the polymer version, its too damned much kick for my liking. I suggest you go a rental range and try as many as you can to see what you like. Don't worry about caliber or cost. You'll know what you are going to get once you shoot it.

Gary

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: Wow!!! What A Ride!!!"