When handling your pistol it is imperative practice safe habits at all times. In addition your skills as a shooter can accelerate greatly if certain handling and manipulation techniques and standards are followed every single time you pick up a gun. From faster reloads, to more consistent target acquisition, and quicker clearing of malfunctions. 

The sooner a shooter learns the fundamentals of pistol handling and manipulation, the more permanently the pistol becomes an extension of the shooter's body.