The man who successfully challenged D.C.'s handgun ban returned to police headquarters to register a weapon.

Dick Heller arrived Friday morning carrying a 22-caliber revolver in a bright red bag. He was greeted by a throng of media and proclaimed: "It's a great day."

Heller initially tried to register one of his guns Thursday but didn't bring it with him out of concern he wouldn't be legally allowed to transport it from Maryland. Police assured him that it was OK.

Heller was allowed to take the gun home later Friday after police fingerprinted him and ran a ballistics test on the weapon. The registration process is expected to be completed in several weeks after police finish the required background check.