Belgian calling in... Due to some unfortunate events, the Belgian gun law was revised in 2006 - fasttracked by the left-wingers, I can add. As a result, gun ownership has become a little stricter, more expensive but most of all: it's become a real hassle to get all the paperwork sorted out. For example: permits are no longer dealt with on a municipal, but on a provincial level, where there aren't enough (knowledgeable) servants who can deal with the flood of renewals/new applications/...
Now, a few remarks:
It takes a while to get the background check done, then you are permitted to buy a rifle or shotgun
Background check doesn't take long, but the provinces have to notify your local police dept. to do it - and that may take a while.
Oh, his brother got a divorce and when you file for divorce the court notifies the police who check your gun ownership status. If you own a firearm, the Police come and confiscate it. The firearm is returned when the court proceedings are complete.
This is definitely NOT standard procedure. In order to get a gun permit, you need permission from all adults (+18) living under the same roof, that's all. Your permit and/or guns CAN be temporarily/permanently revoked or confiscated, but only in specific circumstances (e.g. after convictions for certain offenses). In this case, I suspect it was a "bad" divorce and the ex-wife filed a complaint with the police or told them that she was afraid her ex might hurt her.
My son in law said there were gunshops and ranges, but the amount of rules made it difficult to use one.
For visiting tourists, it's difficult. In general, Belgians have to be a member of a gun range to get a permit, so becoming a member is the easiest part.
OP, PM me if you want more/specific information. I'll be glad to help you out.