New Jersey makes it pretty much impossible to own and carry hand guns. They limit it to cops and military or ex-military. I think every so often you need to be re-certed for a hand gun, but I could be wrong. My dad retired from the police force a couple of years ago and I know he's been saying he needs to go in and get an updated license.
Rifles permits are quite a pain too. You need to fill out a pretty big application, get finger printed, and then they conduct a background check. This is all through the police station. That's just for the general permit to own. To purchase each individual gun, you need to fill out another application at the store or dealer and wait for that background check to clear. Then, and only then, can you finally take your gun home.
It's pretty ridiculous and expensive here. That's part of the reason I keep putting it off!
I just wanted to add, that there really aren't any laws about letting someone else use your gun. I can go to a gun range with my dad's gun even if I don't have a permit. It's funny that all the hoops are for purchasing only!
