Reply #2: Depends on the kind of firearm and the jurisdiction, really.

[MineralMan]

I can walk in to any place that sells firearms in Minnesota and walk out with a semi-automatic rifle, a rifle suitable as a sniper weapon, or a shotgun in about half an hour. A handgun is another matter, and will require a waiting period. I don't own any handguns I haven't owned for many years. If I wanted a new one, I'd go in and purchase it, then pick it up when the waiting period was over. Ammunition purchases in any amount require me to show my MN DL at the checkout counter.

What do you think should be the rules? How would you change them. One thing is certain...my long guns are far more deadly than my handguns. Far more.

As for convicted felons, they'd have an almost impossible task in purchasing any firearm from a legitimate source. Voters aren't checked as carefully, really, and they could just show up and register at the polls and vote.