I figured that one out after taking one glance at the process to get an FID/LTC.
Once I get the hell out of this state, and back to a freer state (Maryland was bad, but not even close), I'll never complain about just needing a NICS check to buy whatever I want again.
MD is far far worse than MA is. There is no CCW in MD whatsoever, whereas in
MA, an A/ALP is obtainiable in about 75% of the state.
I guess it depends on viewpoint, but IMO a state where CCW is made
of "mostly obtainium" is far better than any state where CCW is made
of "mostly unobtainium". I guess if you're "strictly recreational" shooter,
it matters very little.... But IMO any state that is like 95% deny by
default, is not condusive to gun rights. From what I remember, MD
only gives CCWs to people that are politically connected, have some
overwhelmingly, documentable reason to constantly fear for their
life, or to people who are crippled, and even for these "classes" its still
a pain in the ass.
IIRC, MD also had a bunch of lame handgun laws, but not sure how that has
changed with the presence of the new barrel lock thingys.
MD vs MA is not a matter of freedom- it's a matter of choosing your
poison... both of them have the effect of robbing one of freedom.
-Mike