On 4/11/2014 11:07 AM, F*O*A*D wrote:
In the past if you wanted to buy a modern firearm here, you filled out a
couple of forms at the gunshop. If the purchase was a rifle or shotgun,
the usual phone background check was made and if you were ok, you took
the gun home that day. If you were buying a handgun, you had to wait
seven to 10 business days while the state police completed an additional
background check.

Simple enough.

Now, there's another layer.

If you are a civilian with no military background and you are not a cop,
you have to obtain a state Handgun Qualification License (HQL), and
there are several variables.

First time purchasers of handguns have to show proof they've taken a
qualifying handgun training course. I think that is a good idea.

Those without an existing carry permit also have to have submitted on
their behalf ($50) a set of electronic fingerprints taken by a couple of
local sheriff offices or by commercial vendors.

Everyone has to get the HQL and some get a pass on the training and
fingerprinting.

It takes the state about a week to issue the HQL.

The net effect is that the costs involved in obtaining a handgun have
gone up and are now about $100 if you have to get fingerprinted, and
another $25 if you have to get training, and the new processes add about
two weeks to getting the final OK from the staties.


Still not as onerous as in Massachusetts. Requirements here have been
for years:

1. Proof of attending NRA approved safety course.
2. Two classes of handgun permits, Class A and Class B.
Class A is for concealed carry and for all lawful, large capacity
firearms. MA restricts what "large capacity" is however, typically
no more than 10 rounds.

Class "B" is home defense and for transporting to shooting ranges
and certain hunting activities. No concealed carry.

3. The issuance of a Class "A" is up to the local police department.
You must have a good reason for a Class A, concealed carry permit.

4. In all permit classes, the local police chief can put restrictions
on the license, i.e. hunting only or whatever suits his fancy.

5. Mug shots and fingerprinting mandatory. Background check performed
by State Police. No prior court convictions other than minor
traffic violations. It can take up to 8-9 weeks to receive an approved
permit. Some people have waited for several months.