Originally Posted by
somecrazygreek
It's easy really.
For a handgun:
Your friend just has to go to his local police station and ask for a Pistol Purchase permit. It requires fingerprints and a background check. Call ahead, as some require appointments, some accept walk ins. Some charge $5-$10, some are free. Usually takes about an hour for most places, and he has 10 days to complete his purchase and hand the paperwork back in to the same PD so they an register it.