Moving to New Jersey

T

Tortuga

New member
As many of you know, I currently live in the People's Republic of Westchester County, New York - home of some of the strictest gun control laws in the country.

I'm considering moving to New Jersey and I'm looking for advice from fellow New Jersey TFL'ers.

What's the deal with AR-15's there? From what I understand, they have to be registered. What do I have to do to register them?

From what I understand, "high capacity" magazines are also illegal.

What about handguns? In New York, it's a 7 month process to buy one. From what I understand, it's pretty easy to obtain one in New Jersey.

What about CCW? From what I understand, no one gets one there.

Does New Jersey have any safe-storage laws?

Is there anything else I should consider?

Thanks in advance.
 
Don't do it !!!!

- Firearms ID card required to posess or buy anything - longuns, shotguns, AIRguns for crying out loud. Prints, FBI & state police & mental & references background check + about $50 in fees + 2-3 months to get a card (depending on municipality)

- Pistol permit - (req'd to buy any handgun, including BB or pellet gun) A more 'streamlined' FID process. Fees, reference check, wait, and you can only buy one at a time per permit, expires in 90 days from issue.

- very convoluted laws against posession of hollow-point ammo

- "smart"-gun legislation in the works. When it's invented and proven to 'work' effectively, it will be smart guns or no guns here.

We have our own Assault Weapons law. I know someone who legally owns one of the listed items (a Galil) and was looking to move here. I called a local gun shop and asked what he had to do to make it legal, i.e., since he legally owns it in another state, how can he get it 'grandfathered' by registering, etc. The guy told me - no can do. Sell it in the state he's coming from. period. (He decided not to move here.)

here's the AW definitions:

Algimec AGM1 type
Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder such as the "Street Sweeper" or "Striker 12"
Armalite AR-180 type
Australian Automatic Arms SAR
Avtomat Kalashnikov type semi-automatic firearms
Beretta AR-70 and BM59 semi-automatic firearms
Bushmaster Assault Rifle
Calico M-900 Assault carbine and M-900
CETME G3
Chartered Industries of Singapore SR-88 type
Colt AR-15 and CAR-15 series
Daewoo K-1, K-2, Max 1 and Max 2, AR 100 types
Demro TAC-1 carbine type
Encom MP-9 and MP-45 carbine types
FAMAS MAS223 types
FN-FAL, FN-LAR, or FN-FNC type semi-automatic firearms
Franchi SPAS 12 and LAW 12 shotguns
G3SA type
Galil type Heckler and Koch HK91, HK93, HK94, MP5, PSG-1
Intratec TEC 9 and 22 semi-automatic firearms
M1 carbine type
M14S type
MAC 10, MAC 11, MAC 11-9mm carbine type firearms
PJK M-68 carbine type
Plainfield Machine Company Carbine
Ruger K-Mini-14/5F and Mini-14/5RF
SIG AMT, SIG 550SP, SIG 551SP, SIG PE-57 types
SKS with detachable magazine type
Spectre Auto carbine type
Springfield Armory BM59 and SAR-48 type
Sterling MK-6, MK-7 and SAR types
Steyr A.U.G. semi-automatic firearms
USAS 12 semi-automatic type shotgun
Uzi type semi-automatic firearms
Valmet M62, M71S, M76, or M78 type semi-automatic firearms
Weaver Arm Nighthawk.
(2) Any firearm manufactured under any designation which is substantially identical to any of the firearms listed above.
(3) A semi-automatic shotgun with either a magazine capacity exceeding six rounds, a pistol grip, or a folding stock.
(4) A semi-automatic rifle with a fixed magazine capacity exceeding 15 rounds.
(5) A part or combination of parts designed or intended to convert a firearm into an assault firearm, or any combination of parts from which an assault firearm may be readily assembled if those parts are in the possession or under the control of the same person.

My advice - move to Vermont !
 
As they told Forest Gump--What, are you stoopid or sumpin? I live in Delaware which is a much better state as far as gun laws. If you have a choice go anywhere else than NJ.
 
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you daft man?!!!!

Seriously, If my entire family wasn't here, I'd be on my way to PA at this moment. Not only is the PR of NJ extremely anti gun, but they try to regulate every aspect of daily life.

Let me hit on a few things missed by RH. ALL GUNS ARE ILLEGAL IN NJ! Firearms can only be possessed under the exceptions outlined in the legal code. Because of this, any NJ resident in possession of a firearm can technically be arrested, and considered guilty, until they can prove their innocence.

No mags over 15 rounds. The mere possession of a 16 round mag, even if it doesn't fit any firearm you own, is a crime. A 17 shot .22 semi auto rifle, like the Marlin Model 60, is an "assault weapon". A resident was actually tried in court for possessing one. No new registrations of anything on the assault weapon list. The new politically correct ARs (Bushmasters, etc.) are usually considered legal. The only AK you can legally own is the Norinco MAK 90, and you'll probably be arrested, and made to prove your innocence in court if they find you with this one.

Hollow points are illegal. There are exemptions, where you may posses them (range, club, home, business, and traveling directly to and from any of the above), but getting caught walking down the street with a loose round in your pocket, or a round laying on the floor of your car, can get you jail time.

Unless you are an ex LEO, a private detective, or gave a Judge a huge donation, forget about even wasting your time applying for a CCW.

Oh, and stopping at a fast food place, donut shop or dinner on your way to the range, or field, while transporting firearms, is a crime. You must go DIRECTLY from your home or business to where you'll be using your firearms, with no deviations.

If you're still considering coming here, I recommend that you purchase a book entitled "Nappen on NJ Gun Law II", and commit it to memory. But personally, I'd just stay away!
 
I just returned from three weeks in the PRNJ to visit family, and believe me they have no idea how bad it is there. I have been branded a "gun nut" by everyone just for expressing the reasons I won't vote for any DemocRAT. They are totally clueless on how much the state wants to run their lives, and the extent that they let it.
 
You'll think Westchester is firearms paradise in comparison to New Jersey. How about Bucks County, Pennsylvania, just across the Delaware River?
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by glennda:
They are totally clueless on how much the state wants to run their lives, and the extent that they let it. [/quote]

Glennda,
We have a Republican Governor, Republican House, and Republican Senate. These people where suppose to save us from Florio and the Democrats. Whitman did not overturn Florio's assault weapon band, as promised, and the Republicans are just as anti gun, and anti freedom as the Democrats they replaced.

After what the Republicans did to us in Jersey, I'm very concerned that a Bush Presidency, along with a Republican House & Senate, won't amount to a hill of beans, in restoring our freedoms. I hope I'm wrong, and I'm supporting Bush, but I no longer trust the promises of Republicans, any more than I do Democrats.
 
To all,

I want to personally thank everyone that contributed to this post and your advice on whether or not to move.

For those of you that suggested another state and those of you interested in what’s going on with my situation, let me tell you what’s going on.

I can work anywhere in the country. But in the 10 years I’ve known my wife, she’s always been unhappy with her job - until now. For the last year, she’s been working at a company in New York City and I’ve never seen her so happy. And to maintain her happiness, it’s imperative that we move somewhere it’s easy for her to commute to work.

Living in Manhattan is obviously out of the question.

That leaves us with Westchester County New York, southwestern Connecticut, and New Jersey. I’d LOVE to move to Pennsylvania, but it’s simply not an option for her to commute from there.

We currently live in Westchester. No CCW, mandatory safe-storage of ALL guns at ALL times, handguns take 7 months to get, etc. And property here is very expensive. I believe the median price of a home just topped $500,000 this year. Even the more expensive houses we’ve seen still need a lot of work. So, we decided to check out Connecticut and New Jersey.

Properties in Connecticut and particularly New Jersey are significantly less expensive.

But as I suspected, gun laws in New Jersey are worse than Westchester’s. (Westchester still allows high-capacity magazines, pre-bans, and has no firearm ID cards.) But since my wife’s parents live there, she’s leaning towards New Jersey. Grrrr.

Connecticut is certainly not a gun-lover’s paradise, but it sure seems a lot better than Westchester.

Thanks again to all that contributed to this post. I’ll let you know what we decide.

- Tortuga
 
"Avtomat Kalashnikov type semi-automatic firearms"

That part of the law was struck down so to say, MAK90's SAR's, NHM91's are legal in NJ now. If it does say AK-47 on it and only has one "evil" feature (in addition to a detachable mag) it is legal in NJ.

BUT STAY AWAY FROM NJ!!!!!!!! It sucks!

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Dead [Black Ops]
 
Gusgus,

I thought if the gun & ammo were separate and locked, I could transport anywhere. You telling me if I bring it to work before the range (notwithstanding any AOL-like parking lot rules) I am in violation ?

Also, is the Nappen book worth buying ? Does he give examples of caselaw ?
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by RH:
Gusgus,

I thought if the gun & ammo were separate and locked, I could transport anywhere. You telling me if I bring it to work before the range (notwithstanding any AOL-like parking lot rules) I am in violation ?
[/quote]

Yes RH,
I'm sorry to say, that under NJ law, you would be in UNLAWFUL POSSESSION of a firearm. NJ Law states that firearms must be transported DIRECTLY to and from Home, Range, Field, Gun Shop, Etc., with no unnecessary deviations. Stopping at McDonalds for a burger on the way to the range, is not considered a NECESSARY deviation.

At the range I belong to, we have a policy of signing in, and signing out, so that in the rare chance that we are stopped by an LEO on the way home, we have proof that we are coming DIRECTLY from the range. One of my customer's was going to a cowboy shoot in PA, and was stopped by a Jersey Trooper. The Trooper told him, that if he could not PROVE that he was going directly to a shooting event, that he would charge him with Unlawful possession. Luckily, my customer had his registration to the event with him. The Trooper made some derogatory anti gun statements, and left in a huff.

NJ Gun Law is so complicated, that it would not be an exaggeration, to assume that EVERY NJ Gun owner, at some place and time, has been in violation of the law.

Nappan's book is a good resource, but is in no way "all inclusive". I have his original book, which is now a little outdated. A third of the book is in Q & A format, half the book is a copy of NJ Firearm Statutes, and the remainder, actual court cases. I will be picking up his new book (Nappen II), hoping for some new, updated information.
 
Those of us who reside in "the south" ask really simple questions. If you are going to move, why not move to a place where all elements of your life are better. VA, NC, SC, GA, and FL all have enlightened gun laws. I live in NC were it takes $5 for a gun permit (you can order up to three at a time), walk into a gun store, purchase a gun and walk out. We don't have any of those harassing provisions of law to which you refer. Your gun is your responsibility. You screw up you pay the price.

An when you do wallk out you do not have to walk through the snow in winter. Matter of fact, the worst winter problem I face is finding a jacket light enough to wear. If I get tired of shooting in the winter, I pick up my golf clubs and go shoot golf rather than targets.

If you live in Westchester County then you have a fair understanding of taxes. Down here taxes are high by our standards, but nothing like the bone-crushing confiscation you face. Move down here and you can take what you were paying in taxes and open up your own business (say a gun store and range).

I've travelled all over the US in my professional career. It ain't perfect down here, but it is alot closer than it is in the northeast.


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Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.

Barry Goldwater--1964

[This message has been edited by Waitone (edited November 05, 2000).]
 
Waitone,

I'd love to move to a state like VA! However, my wife needs to stay here in this area. Check out my latest post for more information.

Again, I'd love to move there, but it's just not an option.
 
Tortuga

I imigrated to "Wild Wonderful West b'God" (from NJ)when I retired, it's like a whole different country. ;) I kept driving south untill I didn't see any grafitti, and settled here..

No ID cards, concealed carry (if you want it), low cost of living and low taxes..

{edited to add "from NJ}

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Given the choice between freedom and security I'd choose freedom any day!


.... ..George

[This message has been edited by WWWbG (edited November 06, 2000).]
 
A LOT of people are moving to PA from New Jersey. I can't tell you how many NJ plate cars I see in PA commuting the wrong way. There's a reason for that.

Lots of border towns in PA have been putting in additional train service to handle people like your wife. Bucks County is one of them, but the commute is still 2 hours one way.

There are plenty of cities further north that might work for you. Check into the Scranton area. I think it's only a 1 hour (non rush hour) drive to NYC from there.
 
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