I think it is huge for freedom, myself. You can go right to the gun store, you don’t need to ask your local Sheriff if it is ok first. I believe this law was a holdover from Jim Crow.
You used to either have to pay for a concealed carry license, or buy a pistol permit for each one. The local Sheriff could deny.
Yes it is a good thing. I was wrong when I said much ado about nothing because for me I have a concealed handgun permit.
I doubt the sheriff did any serious investigating anyhow.
In the Nashville shooting case a few days ago the sheriff was saying he had not been notified by the shooters doctors that he/she was under medical treatment. So I’m not sure the sheriff has the resources to investigate every applicant.