Thanks for your replies. Maybe I should have been more thorough in my post. I'm not going to start carrying the weapon immediately, probably not for a good while. The reason for me getting a .22 is to spend a lot of time at the range to improve my accuracy and skill. I thought this would be a better idea than just buying a larger caliber and starting with that. My local gun dealer tells me that although I can buy a gun without a permit, I should get the permit to be on the safe side (especially post 9/11). My ultimate goal is not just to carry, but to shoot for practice as well. I know a .22 won't take down a raving crackhead in one shot, but I'm sure as hell better off with it than without it. Most others that I've asked have recommended that I start off with a .22 as my first handgun. Initially, my reason for getting the permit is so I can legally transport, carry and use the weapon without jumping through the hoops that I'd have to go through if I didn't have it.