My process is:

1. Learn about it online for the first time.
2. Worry obsessively about the fact that I do not own one.
3. Thoroughly research everything about it so I "might" come to the conclusion I don't need one.
4. Decide I need one.
5. Continue to research and investigate all aspects of it for the 6-12 months it takes for my suppliers to actually get one in stock.
6. Purchase firearm and enough parts and accessories to equal the cost of the firearm.
7. Strip and clean.
8. Run dry fire and room drill in my house waiting on decent weather to get to the range.

And then after enough range trips and 1,500 rounds or so, I decide where the firearm will be in my rotation based upon performance and anticipated use.