I have never fired any of the ccw guns that I own before buying them. There are no ranges where I live that rents guns. So.....
I buy a gun, shoot it, clean it, and decide if I like it. If I don't, I trade it toward a new gun that interests me. I do lose some money in the transactions, but I consider that to be money I would have spent renting the gun anyway. So what's the difference.
I find with range guns or full size pistols, a little imperfection is tolerable as long as the gun shoots straight and you like shooting it. With a ccw gun, you have to be willing to experiment a bit to see what works for you, and spend a little money in the process. It's just how ccw works. The ever present quest for the perfect carry gun can get expensive, but it is important if you are serious about defending yourself and others when out and about. The gun needs to be as close to perfect for you as it can be, and what works well today can easily be over turned by a new gun design.
For example, I carry an SP101 IWB. It carries fine, but a revolver is thick and I've lost weight so I dress differently than I used to, and would like a slimmer gun. So now I'm interested in a XDs in 45 acp. Considering I carry the SP101 loaded with 38's in the city, I'd be increasing my round count by one, and increasing the impact energy of the fired cartridge. Will I sell the Ruger? Hell no. I will open carry it in the woods. My point is that while funds may limit your purchase today, don't forget that you can upgrade in the future and your needs may change. This is an important point. No one says you can only have one gun to carry. My carry gun changes with the season.