[marvel1234]

Hello I'm from Hawaii. I've been thinking of getting a handgun for self-defense as the crime in my area has been increasing. I have never had any experience with guns before so I have been looking for information from different sources. A friend of mine suggested a ".45 calibur semiautomatic pistol." which has great penetration and stopping power. The local gun shop owner however, suggested that I try something smaller first like a .22 revolver as he thought my hands were fairly small and would need to get used to handling firearms. The .22 would also be a lot cheaper than getting a .45. I wonder if someone could help me with the following questions:

1) What would be an ideal first handgun for personal protection?
2) Is there a website where I can look up shooting ranges or is there some way I can practice shooting to get more familiar with a pistol?
3) I travel fairly frequently. I know I need a gun permit for my state, but if I were to travel between states would I need get gun permits for all the other states I travel to?
4) Also, would I have to purchase a weapon in a state I travel to or can I travel with a handgun if I declare it and put it in a case or my luggage?

Thanks for your help.