Expert: n/a - 2/2/2009

Question
I have finally finished my 5 years of felony probation relating to a conviction, not deferred adjudicated. One felony was possession of a controlled substance and the other was theft of a fire arm (bought a stolen gun).  No violent crimes etc..  Is anyone aware of the likelihood of me being able to re-coop my ability to own / purchase a fire arm?  And what the process would involve?  For years now i have had to sit out on the family hunting trips, and my rifles and pistols have gathered dust at my fathers house due to a 6 month period of poor choices in my past.

Answer
This will depend on the state.  Most states will not restore firearm rights to a felon who was convicted of a crime concerning a firearm.  As of now you are  a felony by owning weapons, regardless if you had them before you was convicted or not.  Also some states consider any drug conviction to be a violent crime and possession of a firearm may be considered a violent crime in some states.  

You are going to have to apply for full executive clemency, expungement or a full pardon.  Some states have a certificate of relief or rehabilitation process.  

Good Luck