There are no dumb questions, only dumb people.
Really, your HD plan is sound. You are doing ok. I'd add to read the S&W owners manual, keep the stainless wheel gun clean, use only factory made high quality rounds for home protection(Hornady, Winchester, Remington, Buffalo Bore, Corbon, Speer Gold Dot) & know the local gun-use of force laws.
You may want to add a CT lasergrip to your L frame .357magnum. The bright red dot may aid your marksmanship at 430am in a critical incident.
Later on you can buy a NIB Smith & Wesson M&P .357magnum R8 revolver if you want. That N frame has a 8 round cylinder & a 1913 tactical rail you can add a white light or green laser to.
It's high tech but worth it for home security IMO.
Clyde