I’ve been given rifles. Also a small 22 target pistol. I’ve fired them. I hunted with them in college. A 38 pistol is different. First gun I’ve actually bought myself. It took me six weeks to get my license. IT WAS NOT EASY.
BUT IT WAS THE FIRST STAGE FOR ME.
I don’t really understand your disdain for a course. I think anyone...anyone who has a gun AT ANY LEVEL of expertise and does not practice or try to improve his skills is stupid. I feel the laws are ample on guns. requiring a short course is about the ONLY thing I’d think is needed. If nothing else, just the knowledge of what responsibility you have with its use.
Gun use, itself, is a perishable ability. You have to practice your skills. There’s a lot more to standing and shooting, which might be fine for some. For others, learning to shoot comfortably from various positions, while walking running, rolling etc takes practice. Setting up scenarios.
I’m far from being as proficient as my instructor, but I have friends that take courses where you’re graded on your skills.
My whole staff have guns. We’re members of a local club. They have ranges inside and outside.
I guess you think, you buy a gun and aim and shoot, just like a car. I disagree. But that’s my opinion.
I understood you to mean a course requirement for purchasing a firearm. I have plenty of disdain for that.
I also understood that this was your first firearm ever. Looks like that is not the case but it wasn't clear in your original post.
38 is a good round. Focus on the front sight and go center mass. Good luck out there.