Just don't get why we don't have it. I will try to explain and a short story to start with.
I have a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card. I don't own a gun. But my state is a little anal about guns and my father is more anal about following the letter of the law. He has a lot of guns and jokes that if he got hit by a car, well I'd inherit his guns and it would be illegal for me to possess them without a license.
I mentioned to him that if he got hit by a car and died having a gun permit would be the least of my concerns, but alas you don't argue with my father.
Now to my larger point. Background checks. Heck I'd argue for registration. More below the fold.
I live in a rural area. There is a hunting club across the street from me. Heck I could walk out my front door and fire a gun and not hit anything. Folks around me hunt 24/7. Not my cup of tea, but to each their own.
It is kind of a way of life. I don't know about your state, but you can't hunt here, even fish, without a permit. Know how you get that permit. You pay a few bucks and give your contact info to the state. Like your name and address.
I can tend to overthink things.
But you are already giving your info to the government if you want to hunt and get a license. Nobody has come to take away your guns. You are not in some database, wait you are. In a database where you are licensed to kill a deer.
I get a handgun is different than a shotgun. But nobody is taking away your guns.
My favorite line from the IL FAQ about guns:
Yes. Illinois law requires withholding the delivery of a concealable weapon (i.e. a handgun) for at least 72 hours and a rifle, shotgun, or other long gun for at least 24 hours. This applies for gun dealers and private sales.
If you need a gun in under 72 hours I think you ought to call the police.