Your laws sounds similar to that of ours in Canada Stig. After a 2 day briefing and basic practical handling test, I can own shotguns, crossbows, rifles and handguns. To transport a handgun it is supposed to be to and from the range only. Rifles and shotguns are permitted to be transported so long as you have a reasonable reason like a hunting excursion. The license for possessing firearms is also needed to buy ammo. The hunting license is separate from the gun ownership papers. It involves another basic briefing followed by a short exam focusing mainly on prey ID and reading the maps for hunting areas etc. Once you have your hunter # (after passing the test), its a matter of buying the specific license to hunt the animal in question, ducks, deer, etc.
A couple things Paul, maybe you can correct me if I'm mis-informed. After getting your RPAL, you'll still need to apply for a transport permit(ATT) before being able to purchase/own a handgun, even if it's just to get it home. At this point in time I believe that you'll be looked over quite closely to make sure you're squeeky clean. Than the handgun will only be able to ever be transported as laid out in the permit. As in to and from the range in the most direct route possible, no stopping for a cold one at the pub afterwards, that sort of thing. I have heard that it is possible to get a ATT that covers entire provinces say if you're a competition shooter or go to many gun shows and such.
And as I remember from my course I thought we were allowed to carry/transport long guns as long as they aren't concealed. I don't recall the 'needing a good reason' clause. I remember being a smartass and asking from his description of the regs if I could wander down mainstreet with a rifle slung over my shoulder and if I'm remembering correctly the conclusion was that it would be legal if it was unloaded, but very strongly not recommended and almost certain to get you atleast detained.
Also if you can prove you have a reason long guns can be kept unlocked in your home. Say for predator protection if you're on a farm.
Plus very soon thanks in large part to strong gun lobbys there will be no more long gun registry in Canada and the current government is also planning to destroy all the info they already have.
Also concealed carry does exist in Canada on a very limited basis. You will need a really, really, really good reason to ever get the permit. Non-concealed carry can also be a part of the handgun permit(ATT) if it's useful say in the course of your work, like as a hunting guide in Grizzly country, surveyor in the backcountry or something similar. Than the gun could be carried on your side ready to rock and roll unconcealed only in the woods or wherever the permit stated, transport to and from that area would still be in a locked case.
I like guns, it scares me even up here how easy they are to have. A weekend course, a short wait, and you can walk into the store and walk out with a very lethal set-up.
I am glad for the laws up here, as with even the smallest of hoops to jump through it keeps alot of the riff-raff from every owning firearms.
I really like guns, but honestly I don't want every dofus owning one.
But if I was going to Colorado I think I'd be going to a couple, there is quite a few.
