Question for NJ handgun owners

[DontBurnMyFlag]

I recently turned 21, and Ive read the laws for handgun permits in NJ. http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/StateLaws.aspx?ST=NJ

However, I was wondering if I can gain some info on first hand accounts of acquiring the permit. How long did it take? How much flak did you catch from the local PD? etc.

Personally, my long journey to gain my rifle/shotgun permit was a long 6 month phone tag game which required much filing of paperwork. I assume I will most likely have to go through that again. I just also assume that I may catch more flak as handguns are looked down upon more than long arms.

Also, I know this thread will most likely create replies in "move to a free state already!" category.

Trust me, in due time, I will rid my self of NJ, unfortunatly, the smell will remain with me. My town was built on a swamp.

So if anyone can provide info on their personal experiences, it would be appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

[WT]

First one took 2 weeks. Now it takes about 3 days.

A friend gets same day service. His son is a police officer. Professional courtesy extended to family members.

 

[geekWithA.45]

It sounds like you already have a FID, that's more than half the battle. Once you've had a fid for a while, there's usually some comfort level that you're not buying for the purpose of going postal, as you could have concievably done that already.

Goto police station, ask for an application to get a permit to purchase a handgun. Fill it out. Note that there's a line where you enter the number of permits to purchase you want. Feel free to fill that in for 1 or 2 maybe even 3, but don't go overboard, lest the ATF want to talk with you. Remember, they expire in 90 days unless you get an extension, and they're each good for ONE handgun.

Don't be real surprised if they want to do your prints and run your background check again. Some towns do, some towns don't. Some will run the bg check if you haven't gotten a permit in more than a year. I've never discovered any firm basis in the statutes for this, my guess is that they make up local policy based on whatever.

 

[Shrinkmd]

Odd clerk

The last time it took about 4 weeks for the pistol permits. I called to gently nag the secretary, and at she said that they were "waiting" to have a batch of five (why I have no clue). I said "pretty please" and explained I was getting something from an auction and needed to pick it up to make sure it was ok. She said alright, come tomorrow.

The nice thing was they gave me an extra permit. Unfortunately for me, I then "had" to buy another gun with it.

I guess if I lived in a normal state that wouldn't be the case, but in an odd way it works with the wife "Honey, I have to buy another before the paperwork expires" I doubt the grabbers who thought up the waiting period realized the unintended consequences...

 

[RavenVT100]

It's taken well past a month (approaching 2 months) for my current application. I was told they needed just over two weeks and it's been well over six...I checked--my references haven't been contacted. I was not required to submit my fingerprints or do a state background check because I got permits earlier this year and they said I didn't need to do it again. My application is just not being processed.

I've never had a problem with this department before; indeed I've had nothing but good experiences. Needless to say, I'm starting to get worried, and also slightly upset, since I had a very good deal lined up that I probably will not be able to take advantage of at this point. Messages left with the PD have not been returned.

I was patient in instances where the NJSP needed to be sent paperwork for a background check, because that is not the local PD's fault if they take over 30 days for that. If my references didn't get back, it's not the local PD's fault either. But this is different--it's just the local PD that is sitting on the application. For NJers here: How soon should I wait before talking to an attorney about this?

 

[oneshooter]

Every day I read this stuff I thank God that I am a Texacan!!!
No "FID's", delays, federal paperwork only, Must issue CCW, Good Sameritian Laws.


Oneshooter
Livin in Texas

 

[Norm357]

Please, I beg you, move back to America.

 

[DontBurnMyFlag]

thanks for the info guys. no the next question arises...what do I get as a handgun...hmm?