"benefits of minimally restricted availability of weapons"? Seriously? There are over 2000 laws on firearm ownership over the US. It like there is a new law

"benefits of minimally restricted availability of weapons"? Seriously? There are over 2000 laws on firearm ownership over the US. It like there is a new law every time there is a shooting. In Maryland, if I want to purchase pistol, I have to take a course (min 8 hrs), pass a test, prove marksmanship ability, get fingerprinted, and pass a background investigation. This, to qualify for an HQL - Handgun Qualifying License. This is usually $150 or more for the training, plus $45 for the license, plus $55 for the fingerprinting. Then I can select handguns approved by the state of MD, which are on a list. Then I can order or purchase one from a licensed dealer, or an individual. Then I fill out additional paperwork, and another background check. BTW, if I have been convicted of a misdemeanor which might have a possible sentence of 2 years I'd be disqualified. MD laws are written such that almost any misdemeanor COULD cost you 2 years. When the firearm arrives, there is a 7 business day waiting period before you can claim it. Of course you have to pay for the firearm, so figure $350-$500 for a reliable firearm which hopefully will not jam when used in self-defense. At this point, you've spent $600-$1000 dollars to purchase a handgun. And you can only use it at a gunrange (public or private) or in your home for self-defense. You cannot carry it in your pocket. You cannot carry it in your car except to and from a gun range. and you can't carry it loaded then. This is what legal firearms owers go thru. Gang-bangers in downtown Baltimore or St Louis... not so much.