It is definitely a bad idea and a hassle. What gave you the inkling you need a gun? Has some one spooked you recently? Have you moved out of your city and thus you do not feel safe or got a new job in the wrong side of town or drive thru new neighborhood?
If your life has changed for good or bad. I so recommend you a gun and a vest, buy the vest for the caliber of the gun you own. That is if you live in open carrier state, and you open carry your gun.
A conceal weapon is an advantage cause you don't let the bytch or bytches know you are packing. I won't tell you if I own a gun or not and type or where I live, but depending on where you hang at you buy your gun.
I believeive 9mm is the best. If you have kids around, make sure you buy a gun with a decocker and put a lack to it. If you live a fast live I recommend you a Glock-17 or 19, if you want something nicer, get a. Polish PM-63C, alternative, and my best advice, dont buy a gun and stay in your safe city.
However, if after all the advice you have got here, you are still undesided about buying or not a gun, I want you to know that no matter how prepare or armed you are, when it is your day, you gonna get it one way or another.
At last, remember it is always best to avoid trouble and try not to be a perpetrator, try not to be a bystander, and definitely, try not to be a victim.