I live in Oklahoma - we're a 'yee-haw' constitutional carry state. Nearly anyone can carry without a permit. So I do. Keep in mind that I've committed myself to the proper training, understanding, and safe-handling of firearms. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for everyone else.
Have I ever been in a situation where I needed to shoot someone? No. Will I never need to defend myself with deadly force in the future? Not likely, but not impossible. I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
That being said, maaany months ago, I decided to purchase my first firearm. After many man-hours of Google Fu and extensive youtube research, I came to the conclusion that the Canik TP9SF was the best pistol in my price range. And boy howdy, do I love it.
Back before corona started, I was talking to a friend of mine. He's somewhat a gun enthusiast and brings up his weapons every now and then. He's one of those fellas that's a lot of talk. Before I got my gun, he talked about how we should go the range and he could teach me how to shoot.
I got my gun. We went to the range. This is... my fourth time at a range? I'm on the right, he's on the left. (right click -> view image, if you need to zoom)
A little bit of youtube and self-awareness combined with self-adjustment will do wonders. I analyzed myself, watched some vidoes, and then taught myself how to shoot with both eyes open. For comparison, this is from my first time at the range: