I would think this is a 14th Amendment case waiting to happen. Why are rights strongly curtailed in one state but free to others in other states? It's a toss up between state's rights and Federal powers. Interesting Constitutional conundrum.
Not to make anyone feel bad, but here in ND, if I want a gun, I go to the store, fill out the form, show them the CCW and my DL, pay for the gun, and go home. The CCW gets me a pass on having to wait for the NCIS check. No fees, no psycho exams, no nothing else.
The CCW took a 10-question test, a photograph, a short form, a check for $30 to the private tester (amount is set by law), and a small fee - $50 maybe) to the County Sheriff. Then, maybe 20 day wait as it went through the AG office, and voila - a card in the mail. Good for 5 years.
It is a tough choice, and I thought long and hard before leaving the people's republik of illinois/cook county - run away or fight the fight. I left. It's an individual call.
Good luck to all.