Did you apply for a "Permit to Purchase" or "Permit to Carry"? They are two different things with the same application...
I believe a permit to purchase is required to buy any handgun(scary) or assault rifle(evil), but if you are over 18 and not otherwise prohibited from owning firearms, it should be a "shall issue".
Subd. 4. Grounds for disqualification. A
determination by the chief of police or sheriff that the
applicant is prohibited by section 624.713 from possessing a
pistol or semiautomatic military-style assault weapon shall be
the only basis for refusal to grant a transferee permit.
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Check here for the full statute...
[url]http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stix/F/FI/firearms.html[/url]
Look under "Permits"...
Just curious, what city do you live in??
Also, FYI, even if you get your permit, you still have to be 21 to purchase a handgun from a FFL. [:)]