So I've been interested in learning how to make weapons for Cortex Command, but I don't know where to start.

I have the Sprite Color Palette things for Photoshop
I have Photoshop CS3
I have the gun modding template
I have Notepad++

I have NO knowledge of Lua scripting whatsoever

So If you all could be so kind as to pointing me in the right direction that would be greatly appreciated!

you dont need Lua.
just mess around with variables until you make something thats decent.

dont release your first mod.

I don't plan to release my first mod
It will most likely be craptacular

You don't really need any fancy programs at all. I mainly use notepad for the bulk of it with Textpad for S&R.
Simply put, the easiest way to learn is to download mods and change them for yourself. Use the basegame .rte's if you want, but make sure you make yourself a new .rte for those. If you have the gun template, check that out, make a copy and rename it for yourself, and modify values and see how they work.