Novice from New Jersey seeks advice

[bushmaster1313]

With the recent decision in Bruen, it is likely that New Jersey residents will be able to achieve some unknown level of public carry at some unknown time in the future. The exact nature of the required qualification course is, of course, also still unknown. But we do have hope.

Although a carry permit in hand is still but a glint over the horizon, I want to do what I can to prepare. First on the list is a concealable handgun. I expect to employ pocket carry. To this end I acquired a Sig 365. The magazine holds 10 rounds of 9mm and I can shoot it well at 7 yards standing in the stall at the range.

Here are the questions:

1) What type of non rapid file non holster draw practice should I do at the range while waiting for a sanctioned concealed carry class.

2) What other pocket carry pistols might I consider. A J frame revolver is not an option for two reasons. First, I do not shoot well with a J frame. Second, I know that practice is crucial and 9mm costs a lot less than .38 Special.

Any and all advice is appreciated. Note, I already know that positioning myself so I can see “Welcome to New Jersey” in the rear view mirror at highway speeds is the best advice.

Also, as far as needing advice I am far from alone. Today I heard that at least 200,000 New Jersey residents are expected to be in the first wave of new applicants!

 

[Onomea]

Here is some info on 9mm revolvers you might find helpful:

Best 9mm Revolver: 5 Options For Everyday Carry (2022) - Gun Digest

 

[tops]

I have "J" and "K" frame .22 revolvers that I do use for most of my practice. With the difference in cost of ammo it doesn't take long to pay for the .22 pistols. Larry

 

[murphydog]

With "non rapid fi(r)e, non holster draw" practice out, it sounds you'll be able to do only very basic tasks like standard slow-fire target shooting at a range. This is necessary and whatever permit process your state adapts will require it, but actual defensive carry training will go far beyond that.

Drawing from concealment, rapid reloading (you can practice these anywhere)
Accurate, fast, multiple shots on target
Shoot/no shoot scenarios
Legal ramifications
Etc.

A P365 is a fine gun so I would practice with it, a lot, before deciding you need another one. Good luck in your decisions.

 

[glenwolde]

Look around at the type of qualification states that issue permits have and practice those. Google "<Enter State> Handgun License Course of Fire". I think most do not require (or even allow) drawing from concealment.

This is the Texas Course of Fire:
https://bliss.armymwr.com/applicati...lify, shooters must,finish the course of fire.

 

[xfarfuldog]

I believe many concealed carry classes follow closely police and security officer requirements. Find out what your state mandates for them. Consider taking a class geared for that level. In Ohio security officers go through a 20 hour course. When I taught in our basic police academy (many years ago) it was 60 hours.

A CC class would be an abbreviated form of the above. In the mean time you can practice drawing, reloading etc at home with an empty gun.

 

[fjruple]

A lot of this NJ requirements are still gray but it appears that the state is going to follow the requirements for certification of police officers in the deadly use of force. There will be classroom instruction as well as a six month requirement to qualify with the pistol that you are going to carry using the NJ standard.

 

[Old cop]

I’ve shot the P365 and like it. My only concern is it’s a bit heavy for pocket carry, at least for me. With respect to pocket holsters (pls don’t carry w/o a holster) make sure the holster covers the trigger guard and mag button if possible. Sometimes you can bump your pocket against something popping out the magazine.

 

[pharmer]

2) I have 100% confidence in this Kahr P9. Trigger is not much different from P365. 600 rds without a hiccup and if you use the 8rd mag you can have 9rds "ready." I use the shorter 7 rd with 7rds onboard, not that I carry it regularly.
1) Most ranges "discourage" holster draw. With a d/a pistol like the P365, placing the gun on the counter, picking it up with finger out of the trigger guard, firing 2 shots at 3-7 yds and putting it down between shots seems to help. Nice thing is consistent trigger pull for every shot.

Having left NJ over 42 years ago I never suspected I would see a day in my lifetime where carry is a distinct possibility. I wouldn't move back even if "Constitutional Carry" without mag capacity restrictions were to be enacted but I am certainly joyful for the Garden State 2A community. Joe

 

[WR Moore]

Nradotorg can put you in touch with certified instructors in your area.

You've already been told to use a holster even in a pocket. Now then, you can practice your draw dry fire AFTER MAKING SURE THE FIREARM IS UNLOADED AND THERE'S NO AMMO IN THE ROOM. Do not use a mirror, put a target on a wall (hopefully one that will stop a bullet) and practice your draw/presentation. Go slow, you want smooth. Once you have the motions down pat, speed will come. Speed generally isn't much of a factor in self defense incidents, looking (and being) competent and determined is. Particularly if you've been paying attention to what's going on around you.

AFTER YOU FINISH DRYFIRE, PUT THE GUN AWAY AND DO THINGS UNRELATED TO FIREAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There have been numerous negligent discharges by folks who suddenly decide to do just one more rep.

 

[Grayfox]

Hate to rain on your parade, but I fully expect NJ to follow New York's response by making pretty much everywhere a Gun Free Zone. Even if you get a permit, you'll find yourself severely restricted.

 

[Catwrangler]

Requested advice

WARNING MAJOR THREAD DRIFT that's sure to get me dinged.
Visited NJ twice once to Paramus 2 days (business) and a week staying with friends down the shore in Bricktown. White sweet corn, tomatoes and sea food were excellent- most of the people I MET, can't a say the same. My family and I WERE TREATED WITH MORE REPECT IN NYC. Supposedly the rudest fast paced place in the US. And we had notable southern drawls.
The capper was the drive up I95 past Newark.
You asked for advice- here it is...... Get out of NJ- Just don't come south and think you try to change it into NJ.
Helmet on, face shield lowered and fire suit sealed.