Everyone is free... to do what they are allowed. I do not mean to pee on a Canadian by what I've said either.
I grew up in Il. I thought everything was just fine regarding gun laws and most other laws for that matter. After 35 yrs as a resident I moved to In. I could not get over the difference a 19 mile driveeast meant for my personnel freedoms.
Me, "what will I need to do to get the gun in the case?" owner " uh, pay me." Il. required a firearm owner ID card, which requires about the same amount of BS as a passport but pretty cheap, $5 I recall. Then you wait till the Gov releases funding to that dept to process the backed up requests. One to eight months later your good to go (YMMV). Now if its a handgun well cool your heels partner cause we gotta check you out again just as soon as that nics check is done.
You finally get that new shooter. Why yes sir some ammo would be a good idea. Hand over the FOID again. Cause well, you know we can't release any ammo to the bad guys, (lucky thing Il. doesn't sell to criminals otherwise crime would be rampant) and if we find your FOID number on a spent cartridge case at a crime scene you are so busted mister.
Live in Gary, In. and feel a little vulnerable with tonights reciepts in your pocket making the bank trip. No probleamo Mr. Hoosier tuck your SIG220 in its holster and carry on with the confidance you will not die without the opportunity to defend your life. Same trip through Harvy, Il. "Sorry sir that sharp stick in your pocket may poke an eye out we'll have to cite you." Handgun... are you serious, carry one? Get outta here fool, you think you are in one of the other 48 states that you can carry in?
It is harder to appreciate something you have never experienced. Once it is gone again it really hits home, I will NEVER move back to Il.