In New Jersey firearms are illegal except under certain exceptions. We have to apply for a FID which allows us to purchase 1 long gun every 30 days but with a confusing list of exclusions such as no bayonet lugs, max 15 round mags, no adjustable stocks. Then we have to apply additionally for a pistol purchase permit which requires 2 references, fingerprinting, mental health check that can take up to a year to process depending on the town, even though by NJ law it has to be processed within 30 days. The permit is only good for 90 days with another 90 day extension depending on the Chief's mood.
Handguns can only be transported to a gunsmith, range, or FFL with only "reasonable deviations" which again is up to individual Leo or Judge's interpretation. we have no actual CCW except for cops and politically connected individuals
As I've posted before legally buying, owning and discharging a firearm in the state of New Jersey is only for the resolute.
In New Jersey you can buy as many long guns per day as you want, you can only buy 1 handgun every 30 days.
New Jersey is restrictive, but at least not as restrictive as our neighbors.
As for voting the *******s out – easier said then done. One of our worst pols is now 86 years old (Lautenberg) and idiots still keep voting him in because he does more for the anti gun then he does for the pro gun (actually hurts the pro gun crowd).
In Jersey you need a "your community" issued "NJ Firearms Purchaser ID card".
That entitles you to purchase a rifle or shotgun. You also need that card to transport your unloaded rifle or shotgun (proves you are entitled to purchase/own). That transport is not general purpose. You must be going-coming from a range, store gun smith etc or hunting and you need the hunting permit then.
Some stores require that ID card to purchase ammo, but the state requirement is a drivers license ID, and the sale is recorded in a ledger.
Pistol purchase requires a pistol permit (PP), which requires a "rifle" Purchase ID Card to obtain. As with the ID card, pistol permits are New Jersey documents are issued by the local LEO chief. They double a as firearm purchase registration record.
PP's are issued one at a time for purchase, but you may get as many as you want to pay for, currently $2 for each.
PP's are good for 90 days and can be renewed once, but the person in charge of the paperwork does the renewal, does not need to be the police chief.
In theory you could obtain 6 permits and there is no reason to get more because of the purchase limits.
We have a 30 day wait between the purchase of a pistol with no waiting period after the actual sale. Meaning - only one at a time.
If you were to buy a pistol the day of issue (#1), wait 30 days/purchase (2), wait/purchase (3), renew, purchase same day as renewal (4), wait/purchase (5), wait/purchase (6).
So buying 6 handguns in 6 months is difficult and requires cooperation with your issuing authority and whom you buy from.
My local dealer works out of his home and is a great guy. He will order your item and have it waiting for you when your permit is valid and will make arrangements to accommodate you. With my local PD a simple phone call will get me an appointment for the renewals that works for me. I could renew on the 30 wait date and literally purchase my next within a half hour.
Pistol sales (including air), private or retail, require the NICS, a four copy permit and a 1 per 30 day period. Copies to seller, purchaser, your PD and NJ State Police.
Long guns are no limit – no wait per day and a pistol can be purchased the same day.
Paperwork is slightly different for private and retail and is 2 copies. Copy retained by seller and buyer.
Only one NICS check per seller is required, e.g. with my guy I have bought 2 rifles 2 shot guns and a pistol and was only charged for the one phone call, and he charges his cost on the call. Not all retailers do that.
NJ follows the evil list of rifles, aka "Assault rifles". The "substantial identical" clause has been well established now and is why we can now own rifles such as the M&P 15 etc. Previously anything that looked like a M-16 was taboo.
We do have some silly rules such as no more then 2 "features". In other words if your rifle has a detachable box magazine and a pistol grip it can't have a bayonet lug or flash suppressor or threaded barrel, collapsible stock (M4). A folding stock is illegal as are magazines that exceed 15 rounds, whether you own a firearm or not.
You can have a +15 magazine that has been permanently altered to accept no more then 15 rounds. Pinned, welded etc – good. Wood dowel stuck in the bottom – no good.
M1 Garands use to be illegal to own but that has opened up with the help of the CMP and sporting events and clubs.
M1 Carbines are still illegal to own because they are on the evil list.
Possession does not have to on your person. You have an illegal rifle in your house and it is found – you are going to jail.
NJ is a shall issue CCW state but it is nearly impossible to obtain and there is no reciprocity.
There is no limit on the quantity of firearms and ammo you can own but there are limits on the types of ammo such as tracers, incendiary and pistol hollow points.
New Jersey firearm laws are extensive and covered in the State Statutes, Annotated Statutes and the Administrative Code. And you will find it difficult to get a straight answer. You need to read and keep on reading.
Your first line of defense is knowledge. The second would the LEO you are dealing with. If you have an "enthusiast" LEO you are olds of getting hassled are greatly reduced.
If you get the LEO who pulls his handgun out once a year to qualify – well ………………
NJ is certainly not the best State with ownership, but we are far better off then several others.