How do you get a permit to buy a hand gun?

Answer 1

Depends on where you live. A permit to buy is not required in most of the US.

Addendum (by Analogdino):

In Canada a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) is required to own any firearm (except those defined as antiques.) Long guns are no longer required to be registered (a recent change in the law.) To own a handgun (and some other so-called "restricted" firearms), you need to show a reason to own it, e.g. shooting club membership or collector status. Self-defence is not accepted by the government as a reason to own a pistol in Canada. All restricted guns must be registered. There are other ownership regulations too numerous to list here. For full information contact Canada Shooting Sports Association (CSSA) or the Canadian National Firearms Association (NFA).