Delete
From what I've read on hear it should be mailed to you very soon!
What question did the GRC's ask you?
They basically asked me the same questions on the form I mailed in. In addition, I was also asked "WHY" I wanted a restricted weapon. I had to state a reason. mine was target-shooting. They started out with cross-checking my ID, for security reasons, to make sure I was the one who sent in the application.
My references were asked kind of silly things, like Am I an angry person, Am I violent or have I showed violent tendencies, have you ever seen him lose his temper, can you think of any reason why this person should not be allowed restricted weapons. Really basic stuff.
I think they are only trying to cover themselves in case someone they "approved" for a restricted license goes beserk. It can happen, no matter how statistically improbable.
When I applied for my non-restricted PAL a year earlier, I wasn't called, and neither of my references were called. It seems to me that they investigate further or more in-depth when you move up to the restricted class.
Why they would consider a handgun more dangerous than a scoped, bolt action rifle capable of hitting targets out to 600-800-1000 yards, there are probably reasons, but I think they are just following the orders of their employer, and checking references is part of their job.
I'll post when I get my RPAL, or if they delay it for no good reason. I've heard from a few that their's were delayed for no good reason or no reason at all, but this has always been a friend of a friend,etc. If anyone has had this happen to them first-hand, I'd really like to hear some details.
I hope this answers your question.
well...it's not really 'their' being there's only one, but it's for both classes. 
