I found this forum last night while researching handguns for beginners. I'm a non-traditional* college student majoring in photography with a minor in environmental science and policy. I've always enjoyed and appreciated guns, but haven't owned one in about 30 years.
I plan to purchase a Baretta 92f soon, take some lessons at a shooting range then get my CCL. The 92f will be for learning how to hit a target from 30 feet. I know it is too big for carrying concealed. I'll worry about a smaller gun after I get my CCL and the skills to hit what I want to hit.
After I graduate I will be pulling my (as yet unpurchased) travel trailer to national park and BLM campgrounds in remote places. I carry a lot of valuable camera gear with me; hence the need for a handgun. Well, that a mountain lions.
Any recommendations for a good mountain lion gun? Just kidding.
* That means I'm 30 years older than most of my classmates.

