Hi, NewlyEnthused. The previous posts are all valid. Here's my two cents (and then some)...
My understanding is that you are a SC resident, since you referenced SC processing time. I'm about a year ahead of you in the shooting sports learning curve and live in SC. Before then, I was a complete newbie. I learned all that follows since January 2013.
Since your goal is to carry concealed, I'll assume that your firearm is the subcompact version of the Beretta Storm. You may learn something from my experiences.
The first thing I did after I acquired my very first firearm, a Ruger LC9 pocket semi-automatic pistol, was take the SC CCW course on January 25, 2013. The SC CCW class does have a live-fire *timed* accuracy component. Even though I hadn't shot a handgun (and it was a .44 Magnum revolver) in about 35 years, had never shot a semi-automatic pistol (let alone my own Ruger!), and didn't even know how to load the magazine, I passed the timed accuracy component with flying colors. I have no idea how I did it.
Moral No. 1: Your first gun, or even your second gun may not be the best fit.
I found the Ruger LC9 very difficult to rack. I've been told that a stiff slide rack is typical of the smaller semi-autos. I kept pinching fingers and getting blood blisters, a factor of having no training on how to handle this particular firearm, let alone *any* semi-auto pistol. My thumb was bleeding from trying to load the magazine during the timed accuracy test. By the end, my gun, magazine, ammo, shirt, and pants were bloody! Red flag! (No pun intended.)
I sold the Ruger (at a big loss) shortly thereafter and purchased a Glock 17 Gen 4. I began instruction as a conditional member of a local NRA-affiliated rifle and pistol club. I've tried four times since May to qualify for full membership in the club. Every time I touch the Glock, it's like I'd never handled it before. I wasn't comfortable with it at all. Another red flag!
My mentor surmised that the problem was the semi-auto pistol, not my ability, and proved it by trying me out with his open-sight and scoped rifles and a 4"-barrel S&W revolver. With those, I was a *great* shot. I purchased a S&W revolver, will be selling my Glock (probably losing more money). But that is not my carry gun. I've decided to acquire and improve my shooting skills **before** looking for a carry firearm.
I took the advice of salemen in gun shops when I purchased the Ruger and Glock. That was part of the problem. It's not the salesman's responsibility to pick the right gun for you. They'll sell you anything, as is their job. Get some experience shooting any gun you think you might buy. Rent one at a range, or ask to try one, SAFELY, belonging to a friend/relative. My mentor says, when shopping for a firearm, close your eyes and pick it up. If it doesn't feel comfortable in the store, it never will. (The S&W revolver is a perfect fit for me.)
Moral No. 2: It takes more than shooting skills and a permit to survive a gun fight.
Another point: Practicing simple firing (establishing proper stance, grip, breath and trigger control, and acquiring a sight picture) on an indoor or outdoor range with no time limit is much different from actually drawing/firing accurately in an emergency situation. In a confrontation, you will only have seconds to react. Your adversary will likely be within 5 to 15 feet of you and closing fast, with a lethal weapon at the ready.
After you have evaluated and purchased the best carry firearm for you, with which you are comfortable and skilled at shooting, you still need to do some preparation:
(1) Get a good holster with which you are physically and mentally comfortable, and take time to break it in so that it fits you and your firearm perfectly.
(2) Learn how to evaluate the situation accurately before you decide to draw. ("Do I -- and those I am protecting -- have the option to escape unharmed without using my firearm?"). (3) Practice -- until smooth and accurate -- drawing from your concealed holster until you can present your firearm with a firm grip *right out of the holster and ready to fire*, in less than three seconds.
Only after all this are you someone I would trust out on a dark street with a loaded firearm. In the meantime, get yourself a
tactical pen! Good luck!
