I think it's funny that you think we're fortunate when you're state is one of few (if not the only) that treats it's citizens that way.
It's not that we and 48 other states are lucky or won some mystical freedom lottery, it's that your state sucks
I think on balance CT is not that bad. I chaffe at the fact that I need to ask governments permission for many of the things I do and want. But really, there is nothing that I can't do in CT that I want to do.
1) pistol permit process is usually straightforward.
2) can carry a handgun pretty much anytime, anywhere. (secondary schools or lower are the only real prohibition)
3) mail order ammo
4) long guns are pretty much unregulated
5) private sale of long guns to a permit or hunting license holder with nothing more than a bill of sale
6) no restrictions on magazine capacity
7) no restrictions on Class 3 firearms including silencers, machine guns or anything else.
8) no gun registration. (machine guns excluded) If you move here with a bunch of guns, you don't need to do anything to be legal. You can immediately do whatever you want with long guns as long as they are unloaded in the car. With a pistol permit, you can take your handguns almost anywhere, anyhow, for any reason.
9) State recognizes revocable trusts, which makes buying and owning Class 3 firearms much more straightforward.
10) no prohibition on home based FFL
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Yes, the AWB is a thorn. But if you want an AR with a telescoping stock and a flash suppressor, spend $300 extra and get a pre-ban lower. Then put anything you want on or in it. Including a short barreled upper or an auto sear.
If you want an AK, get the superior AK74.
If you want an AK with threaded bbl, folding stock, etc, you will have to step up an pay$800 for a pre-ban Norinco or (damn can't remember other brand) in .223.
(No AKs in 7.62x39 allowed)
In my mind, the most important thing is that once I have a pistol permit, I can carry whatever I want, whenever I want, wherever I want.
Don