In Virginia we don't have a 10 day waiting period. There are instant background checks... In most cases a response is returned in minutes, but in my case the last couple of times I purchased weapons I had to wait a couple of hours.

While I can see your point, B-Line, I still disagree with it. Having to wait for more than 15 minutes for a background check is unacceptable in my book. If the authorities can't process your request in that amount of time then they need to get out of the way and let the purchase go through. But then again I usually tend to value convenience over security.

The intent behind the second amendment, IMHO, is to allow for an armed populace that is capable of defending themselves. Having waiting periods, extensive background checks, stringent requirements, and limitations on the types and numbers of weapons that can be purchased interferes with and hinders this objective. I can perhaps see requiring a person to attend an NRA-sponsored firearms safety course before purchasing their first firearm (thus creating a barrier to entry)-- this is something we have to do in VA prior to applying for a CCW. But requiring much beyond this safety course and an instant background check is going too far, is too intrusive, and should not be permitted.