The laws are different all over this country. In my state (California) you need to pass a background check to purchase a gun from a dealer. There is a ten day waiting period before you can take possession of the gun. That lets you have the gun in your home.
To be able to transport the gun to the range, vacation, etc. it needs to be locked up in the trunk (unloaded) or in a lock box if inside the cab of a truck or car. The ammo needs to be separate from the gun.
Open carry for handguns was just stopped recently here (you used to be able to carry a gun in the open as long as it wasn't loaded). I believe rifles and shotguns can still open carry, but again must be unloaded, so they're basically a club at that point. To be able to carry the handgun (concealed) on your body requires a separate license. Not all states or counties allow concealed carry. Here you have to make an appointment with the sheriffs dept., show reasonable cause for needing the gun on your person, pass a local and FBI background check including Livescan of your fingerprints, and then pass a 16 hour safety and licensing course, with both written and actual shooting tests. Costs $400 or so for everything.
The entire process can take 9 months or longer depending on how far backed up they are, and if they are accepting applications at all.
In California if you're a felon, have a restraining order or domestic violence in your past you will not be allowed to purchase a gun (legally).
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