For a more modern example look at abortion laws. In my great state the politicians are too afraid to go one way or the other so they come up with bullshit like waiting times. In order for a woman to get an abortion she has to wait three days. No reason. She just has to. This is because someone couldn't get an anti abortion law passed so they settled for attempting to shame the woman into keeping the child with arbitrary regulations and rules.
Not to jump into the hornet's nest, but a three day wait is actually pretty reasonable. Some people might be pressured (by parents or the guy) and need a few days to realize they also have the right to choose life, and that there are groups out there that will help alleviate that pressure. There is also a not small number of women who feel they rushed into the decision and regretted it (either for moral reasons or for medical ones resulting from unexpected complications). If the woman is the type to be shamed out of it in three days, imagine if the shame came after it was too late to undo?
They have five day waits for firearms, a three day wait for something more controversial than the 2nd amendment shouldn't be too much to ask...