Yeah I realize the permit to purchase is quick and free, I just made the comment as it's a bit ridiculous. I suppose it seems more ridiculous to me since I am not a native and have always lived in states where I do not need double the permission slips to exercise a right. I can see how it doesn't seem silly to a Minnesotan. With the political climate of the Cities, it's probably a miracle there aren't more gun laws here as it is. That could be the case real soon if something doesn't drastically change.
The CCW permit is also stupid expensive here. Rural prices are higher on everything here, but it will cost me $125 for the course and they state "plus the cost of the book" and range fees. Not sure what the book costs but looking online, if this is in fact the
book, will cost me another $50. I could probably drive a couple hours to Alexandria and get that a bit cheaper. The application at the Sheriff's office is $100 here. Coincidentally the maximum it can legally be in the state. FYI I am in Traverse County. And then to repeat that process every 5 years. But back to me saying I don't go anywhere I need it...I live on a little acreage out in farm country. What time I don't spend at work (in a federal building) I spend at the house. I do carry legally on my property and never put myself in a position where I cannot get to a firearm if needed. If I lived more urban or traveled I would eat the cost and get the CCW. This is the first state I have lived in over a year and not had a CCW permit. IIRC you live closer to the cities so I can see how you would need it more than I do. If I planned on living here longer I would probably get the CCW. We are leaving once I can both sell our home for a decent profit (probably already there) and transfer back to working in KY or NC, so hopefully in the next 3 years. We bought a newish "finsher upper" forclosure house so I spend all my free time fixing up the property and finishing up the house. My work position is spread thin so it takes a while for positions to open up in areas where we want to move. The position I took in west central minnesota was a foot in the door type of deal.
Given that I will be a MN resident for this election I will be another Trump vote. There are obviously others around here as well, but as pointed out we tend to be less vocal in our advertisement. The only flags I fly at my property are the American Flag and my USMC flag. In my opinion that is as good as being the opposite of a Biden sign. It was shocking to me to see how much support Biden and BLM has out this way. I'm guessing it is the low income and the amount of lazy shit-heads. The most surprising was the amount of Biden signs on farmer's land though.
Anyway, good luck my friend. This state could use more residents like you, I just won't be one of them long term. I will miss the walleye fishing and the duck hunting but not much else.