“Join a hunting or shooting club. Take a firearm class and pass a written exam. Get a doctor’s note saying you are mentally fit and do not have a history of drug abuse. Apply for a permit to take firing training. Describe in a police interview why you need a gun. Pass a review of your criminal history, gun possession record, employment, involvement with organized crime groups, personal debt and relationships with friends, family and neighbors. Apply for a gunpowder permit. Take a one-day training class and pass a firing test. Obtain a certificate from a gun dealer describing the gun you want. Buy a gun safe and an ammunition locker that meet safety regulations. Allow the police to inspect your gun storage. Pass an additional background review.” That’s all you have to do to purchase a gun in Japan. Alternatively, you can score one in America in under an hour. From the NYT: How to Buy a Gun in 15 Countries.

+ ABC News: 13 questions about guns in the United States and the surprising answers.

+ WaPo: How the NRA nearly put Smith & Wesson out of business.