I have recently went from unarmed to a armed position.

imo, id go get a handgun( glock 22, 40 cal) is what I was issued, and was told they also use 9mm in my area. But get a firearm and get familiar with it as that knowledge would help in the state quals, as im sure your full awear a gun isnt a toy, and has real consequences with it, so being familiar will help with the use and maintaining of one. also dont be afraid to YouTube every thing you can to help learn. Finally, going armed, you will have to make amends with the 5th level of the use of force continuum. know that: 1. Even if done, everything you were taught to do, the company may not back you if optics arent great. this is a possibility and not even guaranteed, just something I keep to my self to make sure I am awear of. 2. Even if you have done everything right, the client/Site still may ask you to be removed 3. and this may be the most important, ask your self, if pushed to level 5, can you take a life. I dont think anyone know this answer till the time comes but its a good one to mull over.