If i had it to do over, i would take a class first. Preferably somewhere that offered rental guns or a loaner. At the class you will obviously learn a lot about shooting, but you will also get to see what everyone else is running and you could start to get an idea of what you wanted. Talk to the instructors and other students about their gear so you can make an informed decision.
I know the classes sound expensive, but if it will help you buy gear right the first time, it's worth the cost of admission. Not to mention, getting a solid foundation in your fundamentals from someone who knows what they are talking about will get you up to speed a lot faster than sending hundreds, if not thousands, of rounds down range. If you really get into precision shooting, the cost of a class will end up getting lost in the shuffle.