I frequently camp out in the woods in my pickup truck in state forests. While I have never had any problems in the past doing as such without any kind of weapon, I often wonder how much in danger things are in the woods. There may never be an incident I would have with an animal or a stranger, but I never know for sure.

Having a pistol and being properly trained in it's deadly force, would offer a great deal of security. It would probably scare off any intruder that might come by. You really never know what's in the woods, even if it's pretty safe most of the time. There could be an escapee from Summit Shock Correctional or another facility, with a hardened criminal who only is looking for a quick ride, and will do whatever he or she needs to get it.

So it would be nice to own a handgun. Yet, it's nearly impossible to purchase one in New York. It requires an extensive background investigation including 5 references living in the county of residency and subject to question, an $360 every 3 years registration fee, and the will of the county's sheriff office to approve it. No application is guaranteed to approved, regardless of qualification, as this state does not require qualified applicant to receive a pistol permit.

The process should be simplified and based on a simple computerized background check, that accurately refers to court documents. The check would see if there is any orders or warrants out against a person that would be reason to deny access to a handgun. Felonies that have not be overturned by a certificate of relief from disabilities and those mandated to inpatient mental health care by a court would be the main reasons for prohibition. Fees should be reasonable and affordable for the common man, not an excess of $360 just to register a handgun.

I'm not sure if owning a handgun would make me any safer. I've never been in any situation that would demand one, but it would make me feel safer. Still, I don't see why I should be deprived of owning one, after reasonable training, and a reasonable registration process—not one so complex that the common man can't afford to spend the time or money to purchase a pistol.