I think in Canada it's pretty balanced for gun ownership. You take the course and pass, there is some screening and if you check out, you can buy as many long guns as you want. The regulations for owning a handgun are very strict, but if you want one, you can have it.
i inherited a shotgun so I got my license to keep it, I keep it in my house, but I do not keep any shells for it. Thats my choice, I personally don't feel the need for gun for home defence.
I also did the restricted license as I was unaware I had signed up for both Restricted and non- restricted course when I registered. After handling the handguns during the course I realized I didn't want to own one, with such a short barrel, just a turn of the wrist and you are pointing a loaded gun at someone.
A number of people failed the course for improper handing of the handguns, it's very easy to point it in the wrong direction when loading, emptying and checking the gun. I was suprised how hard it was to load and unload the handguns that have the slide action, you need quite a bit of hand strength to hold down the lock and pull the slide back and keep the gun pointed in the safe direction. Some of the women on the course with small hands had a very hard time with the handguns. Not being sexist, guys with small hands would have an issue as well. The revolvers were much easier to handle.
The instructors were constantly reprimanding people who picked up a gun and put their hand on the trigger during the hands on practise sections. It's instinctive to put your finger on the trigger when you pick up a gun. I have to remind myself not to everytime I pick up my gun, it's a hard habit to break.
Even if you don't want to own a gun, it's an interesting and fun course to take, gives you a healthy respect for firearms.
I know tracers are not good for barrels but (at night)... full auto tracers from a .50 on top of a hummer shooting at a target filled with explosives.. I doubt there is much on earth that can make a dude smile harder..
