I distinctly remember my first pistol purchase. I went to the local sheriff’s office sat down with the sheriff’s and he said, “Tell me why you want to purchase a pistol (2 second pause) say home defense.”
To which I replied “home defense.”
To my credit I had official NRA training at 10, and qualified expert pistol in boot camp. I had the paperwork ready but the sheriff didn’t ask.
I also remember my first. Out of State I bought one in California. Laid down the cash, picked it up a few days later(waiting period).
Second one, Went into a Little Rock AR gun store, pointed to the one I wanted, laid down cash and walked out with it.
Third one, I dropped a check in the mail and I received it by Railway express a few days later. (railway shipping cost as much as the pistol did!)
Then Presidential Contender Bobby Kennedy was murdered by a Palestinian immigrant and within six months the 1968 Gun Control Act became law, but people were too scared to buy as too much paperwork was required.
Wish I still had those I bought before 1968.