Exaggerating the issue doesn't help you know. I had to pay several hundred dollars and pass a background check for mine.
Buying a gun at a gun fair
background check person: 'say son do you want a gun ?'
you: 'yes i do.'
background check person: 'are you a terrorist and do you have a driving licence ?'
you: 'no and yes.'
background check person: ' good enough for me, what gun do you want ?'

Given the form you used to have to fill out when entering the states - that's not as daft as it sounds.
There was ALWAYS a question asking if you were a terrorist.
Stupid people used to tick yes for a laugh.
18 hours and 3 body cavity searches and a little humourous water boarding later - they weren't laughing any more. Customs officers have no sense of humour.

So did you have to buy a LOT of crackerjacks and save up coupons then ?