On 10/12/2017 at 11:52 PM, Bill Miller said:

Not quite as easy as you make it sound. Also, per my previous post, there are impediments at the state level in some instances.
Massachusetts, e.g., makes it very difficult for an alien to get a permit. Not impossible, but they really gotta want it, and be very clean of record.
"An alien admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa is prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing a firearm or ammunition unless the alien falls within one of the exceptions provided in 18 U.S.C. 922(y)(2), such as: a valid hunting license or permit, admitted for lawful hunting or sporting purposes, certain official representatives of a foreign government, or a foreign law enforcement officer of a friendly foreign government entering the United States on official law enforcement business."

[18 U.S.C. 922(g)(5)(B) and 922(y)(2); 27 CFR 478.11 and 478.32]

It appears that it all depends upon which state that you reside in.  Some states are easy and some require a bit more work to do so legally.  Your visa status is also important but if you have Permanent Residence status it should not be difficult at all.  

 

Joining a gun range can sometimes be difficult as there a few that require US citizenship but they are in the minority.   

1 hour ago, Hanuman2547 said:

"An alien admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa is prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing a firearm or ammunition unless the alien falls within one of the exceptions provided in 18 U.S.C. 922(y)(2), such as: a valid hunting license or permit, admitted for lawful hunting or sporting purposes, certain official representatives of a foreign government, or a foreign law enforcement officer of a friendly foreign government entering the United States on official law enforcement business."

[18 U.S.C. 922(g)(5)(B) and 922(y)(2); 27 CFR 478.11 and 478.32]

It does not matter what state you are in with regard to the above Federal regulation.
Yes, it does depend on your visa status.
Somebody had, I believe, remarked that it was easy for aliens to legally procur a weapon in the US.
The point is that it is NOT easy to legally do, emphasis on legally.
Of course all one needs to do is go to a yard sale, swap meet, etc., and buy from a private citizen.