It's not quite that strict, little case called Heller changed that. Now it is easier to get a DC carry permit than an unrestricted MA carry permit!
The tough part is, the only place a resident can legally buy a pistol today is from D.C. metro police. The only other FFL willing to do interstate handgun transfers just stopped operations last month, despite commanding a $125 transfer fee (he wasn't a stocking dealer).
Is this due to DC making it impossible for another FFL to open or some other reason I am not thinking of? Sees like a great opportunity for a small FFL to make a killing on transfers even at a more reasonable rate.