Acquiring a handgun?

**Kickapoo** · Posted On: 9/02/2010 4:46pm

So, firearms have always been a (very) fleeting interest of mine. Shooting some clay pigeons and some target shooting around my grandpa's farm is about the extent of my experience.

Still, the fact I'm moving to one of the not-so-Garden-State parts of New Jersey combined with some extra disposable income made me think now would be as good as a time as any to get a handgun, partly for home defense and partly for target shooting. I'm pretty sure New Jersey laws do not particularly allow for civilian carry, concealed or otherwise, but that's about all I know about gun laws.

So, how exactly do I go about obtaining a firearm in a more restrictive state like New Jersey? I know we have a few NJ LEOs but I can't recall if they're active anymore.

**Emevas** · Posted On: 9/02/2010 4:51pm

Any reason in particular you settled on a handgun for home defense rather than a shotgun?

**Kickapoo** · Posted On: 9/02/2010 4:58pm

I already own a shotgun (granted is an old 20 gauge over-under), and I'm not sure how a shotgun would look in court (in New Jersey). I'll defer to anyone's judgement though, I am open to recommendations.

**W. Rabbit** · Posted On: 9/02/2010 5:01pm

Originally Posted by Kickapoo

So, firearms have always been a (very) fleeting interest of mine. Shooting some clay pigeons and some target shooting around my grandpa's farm is about the extent of my experience.

Still, the fact I'm moving to one of the not-so-Garden-State parts of New Jersey combined with some extra disposable income made me think now would be as good as a time as any to get a handgun, partly for home defense and partly for target shooting. I'm pretty sure New Jersey laws do not particularly allow for civilian carry, concealed or otherwise, but that's about all I know about gun laws.

So, how exactly do I go about obtaining a firearm in a more restrictive state like New Jersey? I know we have a few NJ LEOs but I can't recall if they're active anymore.

I am actually a semi-active previously licensed NJ private investigator so maybe I can help.

New Jersey doesn't want you to have guns. Move to Pennsylvania.

Seriously though, it's not too bad if you're not a convicted felon. There a couple of forms to fill out out your local PD or the nearest NJSP troop.

These two are the basic forms:
http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/info/pdf...ms/sts-033.pdf
http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/info/pdf...rms/sp-634.pdf

Getting approved through local or state PD is the ONLY legal way to buy a gun in NJ, and carry is out of the question unless you qualify for a CCW permit (ex cop, ex Fed) or can otherwise prove your job requires carrying a gun. I saw a statistic that said less than 0.01% of NJ residents are licensed to carry (state population 8 million).

Of course, being as how we have Newark, Trenton, Jersey City, AND Atlantic City, you can buy a gun from any corner dealer. That's not an exaggeration. Don't do this.

http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/faq.html#firearms

http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/info/forms.html#firearms

http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/about/fire_ag2.html

The state criminal statutes sections that pertain to firearms can be found in New Jersey Title 2C, Chapter 39. Firearms, Other Dangerous Weapons and Instruments Of Crime (N.J.S. 2C:39-1 et seq.) and Chapter 58. Licensing and Other Provisions Relating to Firearms (N.J.S. 2C:58-1 et seq.).

The state administrative codes sections that pertain to firearms can be found in New Jersey Administrative Code Title 13, Chapter 54. Firearms and Weapons (N.J.A.C. 13:54-1 et seq.).

**Lord Skeletor** · Posted On: 9/02/2010 5:46pm

I'd seriously go the route of a semi-auto (if you have the dollars) or at least a pump shotgun for home defense. Handguns/pistols are piss-poor stoppers of human beings---and are much easier to procure in urban/retarded areas like NY, NJ, MA, IL, and KA (Kaliforniastan). Shotguns thankfully don't suffer from such limitations on performance, either. Stick with 00 Buckshot and you're good to go.

**Kickapoo** · Posted On: 9/02/2010 5:47pm

Originally Posted by Lord Skeletor

I'd seriously go the route of a semi-auto (if you have the dollars) or at least a pump shotgun for home defense. Handguns/pistols are piss-poor stoppers of human beings---shotguns thankfully don't suffer from such limitations on performance. Stick with 00 Buckshot and you're good to go.

Can you recommend anything?