Welcome from just down the road in Lake Station. I would suggest if you are interested in learning more about different guns that you you DO come to the meet and shoots we have. There are usually dozens of different guns there for you to try out. PLUS some of the nicest people. (yeah I am a bit partial) If you want to just talk about guns then you could always make it to the wednesday lunches at the pitstop smoke shop.
There are usually several INGO members sitting around shooting the breeze about guns as well as just about any other topic. And no smoking is NOT required.
I'll answer this real quick before they close the thread since this threads are really for intros and not answering general questions.
In Indiana you must be 21 or older to be able to buy a handgun from a FFL (Federal Firearm Licensee, ie. think Wal-Mart, Cabela's, Byltes, Garder Mountain, etc...)
However if you are AT LEAST 18 you can buy a handgun via a private sale. Meaning from someone else who is NOT a FFL provided certain requirements are met or a handgun can be gifted to you from your parent/guardian.
So say you go to the Crown Point Gun or or Valpo Gun Show and you see a handgun you like and the seller (is not a firearms dealer) but someone else his/her personal collection. If bought of you agree on price you can buy from that person without doing a background check as well.
Or if your mom/dad/guardian but a handgun for you as a gift that is also OK.
Read the FAQ for the full details or re-post the question in the handgun or general firearm section.