I agree with Nacho.
HUGE responsibility.
Not just knowing when and where and what and how you're allowed to carry, but also knowing how to defend yourself and others so your weapon doesn't get used on you, and being mentally and emotionally ready to take a human life if need be, as well as having the maturity to be the "bigger man" and back down from pretty much every non life threatening confrontation you'll ever have.
Please don't think because you're military or LEO or taken the hunter's safety course that the CCW course isn't necessary.
The CCW course is only the tip of the iceberg for safely and effectively carrying a gun.
I can recommend excellent instructors throughout the state if you're interested.
you are very smart, respectful and mature for your age and likely safer than many that have cc's already, like me. but nobody reaches 30-40 without making a mistake or several and it would be better if they happened without you carrying. you can still own and hunt with one but cc 24/7 is a huge responsibility and not for everyone. there is a lot you have to give up and and theres an expected way to act. trust me I learned the hard way. sometimes you gotta know when to leave it home, never show it off or brag about having one. and most people especialy young ones have loose lips. you are well on the right track and I would just say don't be in a rush.
Solid Advice!
I'm not trying to be cocky or anything but based on my background, I think I can put myself as a somewhat pretty responsible person.
You're not truly smart until you realize how little you know.
and you're not truly responsible until you realize how easily you can make a mistake.
Ok, I am done being philosophical.
If you constantly stay aware of the all the ways you can easily screw up carrying, than you will be just fine no matter your age.
glock 29 honestly, out of all the glocks I have shot, the grip is bigger than their standard subcompact but smaller than their compact. Excellent ballistics, moderate recoil, concealable if you're not a beanpole. Good all around gun, if you dont like the polymer frame, perhaps a kimber ultra/pro carry or if you want a small 9mm ruger lc9
sig 239 single stack, 7 round mag in 40, 8 round in 9mm. used or reconditioned app 500$. worth a look.
