I have found that it all depends on the head honchos attitide toward people owning firearms. If they support freedom, they generally make it as easy as possible, if they do not they use their power and the cops who work for them to make it a PITA for anyone to get anything done.
For example, NC law says to buy a pistol I must have a purchase permit for each one. In my county I walk in, pay my $5, and walk out in 5 minutes with up to 8 (they do eliminate the waiting for the NICS, and are good for 2 years). In some others, they have 5 day waiting periods, limited access time, and some even require letters of reference from prominant business owners or citizens of the county.
Generally, the harder the agenmcy make sit the more anti gun the chief or sheriff and generally that attitude will carry throughout the department.