For those that don’t know, even for basic gun ownership in New Jersey you need to acquire an ownership license, which needs to be signed off by the local police chief (or the State Police chief if your town doesn’t have a police department). Carry permits are a similar, but significantly more stringent process.
In theory, they cannot arbitrarily deny applications and must process them in a timely manner.
In practice, there is a big difference between getting a permit in Clifton and getting a permit in Paterson. Certain municipalities have a tendency to sit on applications for months and then claim they lost the paperwork or something wasn’t right and you have to start from 0 after you raise a stink. It may be racially motivated, it may be anti-gun motivated, maybe a bit of both. Straightening them out usually requires suing them.
My advice to you today. Even if you’re anti-gun, get a handgun and 200 rounds. Go to a range now and get familiar with it. Educate yourself on handling and storing it safely.
Where the United States is currently headed is exactly what the 2nd is for.
I agree just what to add, TAKE A GUN SAFETY COURSE! It all seems common sense when you learn it, but even small mistakes can be deadly so I think it is better to get a proper lesson. Whatever range is close to you likely offers them or can direct you to someone who can. Everyone in a home with a gun should know how it works, how to use and clean it safely, etc. If you have kids that are too young to take the course with you (and too young to shoot) you should still show them the gun, teach them it is not a toy and make sure they know not to touch it if they ever find it. Whether you are pro or anti gun the fact of the matter in the US is they are everywhere and you are doing yourself a disservice not to learn proper practices if for no other reason than to be able to recognize when someone else is being unsafe with them so you know to get out of that situation.
Don’t get a handgun. Get a rifle. A handgun is pretty useless in the event of any real conflict. A rifle will cost about the same and you can engage targets from a much longer distance.
