KurtC

"Right or wrong" about getting approved for a permit is up to the agency that will be receiving your application. Check with them before you pay for training or a "qualification" that may not meet with their approval.

Folks certified for RPO's can technically qualify you, but they can't supply you with the training aspect unless they are offering some sort of course. They usually just qualify folks that have shot the same course dozens of times before. A quick safety brief and a couple of dry draws and off to the live fire. I wouldn't trust any training that doesn't include drawing from a holster, unless you plan on always carrying your sidearm around in the ready position (or like Tuco in The Good, the Bad Nd the Ugly). Frankly, since the goal is to actually protect yourself in public, you should eventually seek out training that has you shooting from concealment.

The current permit does not list your firearm, but you need to qualify with any sidearm that you intend to carry. You need to turn such in with your application. The permit may change in the future, as the current one is absurd. I've always had to glue my photo on myself. If you qualify with another sidearm after your permit is issued, just keep a copy for your records. Your attorney will need it when you get arrested. Numerous folks have contacted me about instructors. The ones I know are getting long in the tooth and don't have the time to take on new clients. I plan on getting a qual in during the next few weeks, as I picked up a couple of new sidearms earlier this year. However, I will be shooting the Pennsylvania Police Course, which is considerably more difficult than the New Jersey HQC. The instructor told me to only bring along folks that have fired this course before. Sorry. I have never had to turn in a copy of my Birth Certificate, but I probably already have my own drawer in their file cabinet. Whatever your PD asks for, give them.

The New Jersey HQC is relatively easy. You have plenty of time for each phase to draw and shoot safely and accurately. The only challenge you have is on the 25 yd line if you are using a mouse gun. For about the last decade or so, my instructor has had me qualify using the Pennsylvania LE course of fire. It is more realistic, as it involves movement, magazine save reloads, body armor drills, challenges, shorter time periods, etc. Be happy your aren't being forced to use that one. Pennsylvania MPOETC

My weight fluctuates a good 5-10 lbs throughout the year, depending on whether or not I hit the gym regularly. I've had bad luck with belt holes. These are surprisingly stiff vertically. I've paid a helluva a lot more belts that weren't as good.

For holster use, belts with holes don't always line up perfectly. Either too tight or too loose. Infinitely adjustable ones work much better and are more comfortable. These are a bargain. I'm wearing one right now. Galls EDC Belts

NJ has always allowed non residents to get an FID and Permit to Carry. They just need to follow the same procedures as residents. Obviously, they will need to get the FID before they can apply for a Permit to Carry, just like us.

I've been using the Safariland 568 custom fit paddle for a good number of years, but I don't see it on their current website. Their 5196 is similar, although that one may be more model specific. A lot of their current offerings are modular. You can use either a paddle or the belt loops. Some come with both.

I can only speak for the past 35 years. We'll need a crystal ball to see what the future holds.

I switched to a Safariland paddle some years ago and couldn't be happier. If you are carrying 12 hours or more a day, they are about as comfortable as a holster can get. Easy on and off as well.

It never has, except for uniformed Security or Armored Car personnel. Just make sure it is the kind that stays open with the sidearm removed. No cheap ones that go flat. If it has a retention device, such as a strap or hood, it will have to be engaged each time you reholster. Your instructor may have opinions on what is considered safe. Crossdraw and shoulder holsters are usually a no go.

I've always used 1 or 2, as some of my instructors live in PA. Once I used the FBI course of fire. They are all similar. It is better to saturate them with your skill level than to use the minimum and have to convince them that it is acceptable. Hopefully, all of the available official resources make it clear to PD's and judges what is acceptable. Right now it is very subjective.

RPO is Retired Police Officer. They have been allowed to carry for a good number of years. While their requalification process is completely different from civilians, the course of fire is the same and many instructors are certified to do both.

Eventually, any actual denials will occur at the PD level. Background check, wrong paperwork, no qualification, etc. Once it gets to the County it will only be a paper drill. Type up the permit and have a judge sign it. Eventually, his hand will cramp up and they'll use a rubber stamp.

Approved by who? Your paperwork is still sitting in a pile beneath 100 others. That's the Catch 22. Even if it automatically approved, you won't see it until makes its way through the channels and the actual permit gets typed up by the County Clerk. I don't advise carrying until the permit is in your wallet.

PD's are already short staffed. They won't have the Detectives available to do this many background investigations. They won't want the paperwork piling up in their offices. Some PD's are easily going to get applications numbering in the hundreds.

Once PD's and judges get overwhelmed with applications, they will demand that the process gets streamlined. If you are going to apply now, I recommend following the established procedures. You don't want your paperwork put in a "pending." If you are willing to wait a month or two, things may get a lot simpler. I once had mine sitting at the County for 3 months because they were waiting on Morpho results. Apparently the detective assigned to my investigation went out on extended leave without telling me I needed to get fingerprinted again.

We used to joke that in New Jersey you are only allowed to return fire and it would look even better for you if you got hit. The sad news is that with the current upswing in violence, that scenario is highly likely.

First of all, the other states aren't New Jersey. While NJ has finally complied with your right to bear arms, you still do not have a right to self defense. I've trained with instructors, lawyers and expert witnesses and have heard horror stories from across the country. If you publicly discharge, draw or even expose your sidearm, you will mostly likely face criminal and civil charges. Being cleared of any wrongdoing may take 2 hours, 2 years or not at all. The bottom line is have your documents available and accurate. Have your attorney's phone number with you at all times. Everyone seems to agree that you never carry a firearm that needs to be cocked before firing. No single action revolvers or Derringer. Cocked and locked is OK, if you are properly trained. The only thing worse than having had to shoot someone intentionally is having shot someone unintentionally. Cocked firearms that don't have a safety are a serious liability. I've carried small back-up firearms. I simply have the instructor include it in the training and documents. It usually consists of drawing from an ankle holster and firing a few shots at close quarters.

I never have, but that is up to the Detective, Chief of Police and Superior Court Judge. More documentation certainly doesn't hurt.

I always do. Most instructors run you through twice, keeping the higher score. Some folks do low or don't qualify the first time. I just use a different sidearm the 2nd time and make sure that the instructor documents it.

Unlike the FARS FID/P2P process for checking references by email. The references on my carry applications have never been contacted, to the best of my knowledge. That's the purpose of having them sign in ink. It's pretty much up to the Detective doing your background check to determine if he feels it is necessary to contact them.

I would make sure your Police Chief and Superior Court judge will accept it before you spend your time and money. We know that they will accept the HQC. Keep in mind that there is nothing in the HQC that pertains to police. It is a defensive handgun course. It has been a requirement for Armored Car personnel for decades and they are carrying to protect themselves, not the money.

There is a night qualification phase. It is up to your instructor if he wants to include it. You do not need a handgun mounted light. If you carry a sidearm for self defense, you should also carry a small tactical light. You will be taught how to use it efficiently. I posted a link to actual course of fire earlier in this thread or the other one. I'll repost it later tonight.