The holster is very important and don't be afraid to try several options....even buying a cheaper model of a category of holster you'd like to try to see if it is a fit before dropping more money. There's a reason why many long time hand gun owners don't even know how many holsters they own and own more holsters than they do hand guns.
Of course practice impeccable gun safety. But then you develop a feeling where the fact that you have a gun in your pocket (in my case, since i usually carry a pocket pistol) and that it is chambered....where you are aware but it is normal and not stressful.
Also be aware of the laws in your area and where you can't carry. I also don't carry into most people's homes (unless I know they don't care and don't have kids, etc) and just leave it in the truck. Of course, this is only for friendly people. I wouldn't go into a potentially hostile home ever, but if I had to I would carry. Around here, Walmart and the mall and movie theaters and such have gun prohibition signs, but it is not against the law to carry in most of those places. They can just ask you to leave if they see your firearm. It is similar to carrying in someone's private home and they see your gun and ask you to leave. They can't call the police and get you arrested over it.
I'm assuming that NYS has a 10 round mag law and that's why you got what you did. For woods carry with only 10 rounds or for home defense with only 10 rounds, once you are comfortable with the 9 mm....then I'd consider getting a 10 mm or 45 acp as funds allow. People argue a lot on the internet that a 9 mm rivals a 45 when using modern ammo...but they usually do an apples to oranges comparison where they pit the best 9 mm load against a humdrum 45 acp round. If you shoot both apples to apples at the range and shooting something like wood bowling pins or something.....it's obvious a 45 hits harder. No one argues that the 10 mm is a brute.
