Ditto on starting out with mid-range wadcutters. Also, ditto on the NRA basic pistol course. Get a few hundred rounds under your belt and you'll have gained the best kind of confidence.
... "not always but often" is true, but look no farther than O.J. Simpson who was found not guilty in his criminal trial, but found liable for wrongful death in his civil trial. Of course, that was merely an expensive nuisance for him until his most recent screw-up. Anyway, if you're found not...
Several years ago I ordered an IWB hoster for my 36-3. More recently I ordered two holsters for my Kel-Tec PF9, one IWB and one pocket holster. In each case, Mike's attention to detail and service oriented approach was well appreciated. I was as impressed as you were.