I would like to learn how to shoot a weapon and don’t know where to start. Should I contact the local police department or a shooting range? What would be the best type of gun to start with - a handgun or a rifle? I would like to learn for hunting purposes and for home security. I recently moved toTX, so any rules/laws, and any other help would be appreciated. Thanks.
SERIOUS answers only. I don’t want your stupid answers.

I’m looking to buy a 12 gauge pump for home security and hunting, I’m probably going to buy a Mossberg 500 because of how cheap it is. I’ve never fired a 12 gauge before and I can’t wait to train with it but what I want to know is, how severe is the recoil? Does it kick harder than a .223 carbine or a .410, if so how much harder?

Im looking to buy a gun or rifle to go Hunting to

I grew up with guns. My father had Rugar, Winchester, some military issue rifles. We had several pistols but I had to give them to my aunt because they are illegal to have in my home state. My grandmother had a rifle that could be used by a woman or a man and had a clean shot and not that much kick back but the rifle was so old it has rusted away and is useless. It had been lost in the basement and ruined.
What would be a good brand of rifle to get that I can purchase that I can use and my girlfriend can use for home security? I was looking into Winchester or Rugar.
I am so dumb. I think the weapon that Nana had must have been a shot gun. I remember Dad showing me how to use it as a kid. That must be it. It was shorter barrel than the weapons he used for hunting that were the rifles.

Yuck, another 3am experience hunting for the smoke detector that is beeping. Of course it stops beeping as you get closer like it is taunting you. Eventually found the one in my 6month old's room! Then of course after you pull it off the ceiling and take the battery out it is STILL beeping.

At least I am smart enough to replace all the batteries at once, but why in the heck does this always happen at 3am?