Congrats on getting your license!
If you are limited to target shooting, I think that a single action is a good choice. I own several and use them a lot. If I just want to shoot, I often pick up the Ruger Single 10 and a box of .22 ammo. And I frequently carry a .45 when working around the farm. I am far more likely to shoot a coyote than to need it for self defense, and I think I have a better chance to hit the coyote with it when compared to one of my self defense guns.
I have tried to deer hunt with a Colt SAA .45 with cast bullets. The folks who know say that it will kill a deer just fine, but I have shot at 2 and missed both. I think I have given up on that idea, but I have taken around a dozen deer with a TC Contender. That would be another option for you since you are limited to paper. It's kinda cool to hit a target 200 yards away with a handgun.
I think a single action handgun and a sxs shotgun just go together, so I think it's an appropriate recommendation for this forum.
Good luck in deciding.
