Once you find something that is reliable and is a good fit for you, stick with it, whether it's a firearm, friend, spouse, etc.
Gun magazines are not the best source of information on guns. People who use them on a daily basis are.
If you lose faith in a gun, get rid of it.
Don't be an early adopter when it comes to firearms unless you are willing to be one of the first to know the bad things the factory (and gunwriters) may not even know.
Don't be an early adopter of new cartridges unless you don't mind being stuck with a collectable that's expensive to shoot.
Quality is better than quantity. If you're wealthy, this doesn't matter.
Quality does not necessarily mean the most expensive.
If you buy something to carry, but you're afraid to carry it because it's too expensive, get over it or get rid of it.
If you use a gun, it's going to get scratched and worn. Get over it early, and you won't have to waste much time worrying about it.
Know your limitations when it comes to how much firearm you can handle.
Don't second guess yourself about the past.