So I'm ready to pull the trigger

[GoodAg]

Literally and figuratively, I'm mentally ready to own and use a gun. But I don't know the start-to-finish process/cost or how to begin choosing a weapon. So how does the whole process work?

I found This Thread about local shooting ranges and This thread, too, about gun choices for Ladies. Very helpful information.

My question is, so do all shooting ranges have a variety of guns for me to rent/try, or is it just The Bullet Trap in Plano? And will they have someone there who will advise me by watching me hold the gun as to whether it's too heavy/big etc. for my purposes?

Also, will they have accessories for sale there (like a holster or gun safe), or is it better (cheaper) to get something online once I decide on a make/model of handgun?

Finally, what is the average cost (start to finish) of this process (including gun, classes, fees, safe, holster)? I'd like to have an idea of what I need to save in order to start this process.

Sorry. A lot of questions, I know. It's taken me a while to get to this point, so suddenly I have a lot to ask. haha