NJMac

In my case the PP process has me buying more handguns than I would have without. Rather than just buying what I really want now with the knowledge I can easily make another purchase at any point in the future, I've taken to guessing what I might want in the future and loading up with multiple PPs in each application and purchasing round. Seems historically any form of rationing encourages buying more than a consumer needs.

Welcome! I faced a similar handgun decision last year (excluding the glock). Mostly personal preference between a Ruger GP100 vs. Smith and Wesson 686, can't go wrong with either. I ended up with a 686 SSR which is a 4" model. I have a 6" revolver too but would prefer 4" for defense for easier handling. I'd load 38 +P in a revolver for defense but that's due to my location and concerns about muzzle flash and blast of a magnum round in an enclosed space at night. Definitely shoot the Glocks and SIGs, they handle very differently. Striker fired vs. DA/SA. I have a SIG 229 Stainless Elite and a 226 X5 All Around. I barely have to aim the X5 it points so naturally, but use the 229 as my defense gun. The shorter length is a little handier getting it out of my drawer safe and I like the rail for attaching a light to plus it has night sights. I use the 229 over a revolver for defense due the rail, but that's just my preference and there's definitely something to be said for the reliability of a revolver. Shore Shot is a little expensive to rent and gets busy on weekends but they also have decent rental selection so you can try some different options. Others here are fans of Brick Armory. Heritage Guild in Rahway doesn't have a range (Easton, PA does) but they have a great gun selection as well as used options.

One possible reason the phone number could be different is if he got a cell number originally in Maryland. I'd also give him a call to ask some of your follow ups, just to hear his responses vs. seeing stuff typed out.

There's another post in the forum, I think by PK90, that lays it out really well, although what is said above is consistent.

I have a larger Barska biometric, a single gun digital Bulldog, and a single gun Ft. Knox simplex lock. The Barska works great for regular storage but I wouldn't recommend it for quick access. My favorite is the Ft. Knox. Very quick access and the best built of the 3.

I had forgotten all about Legacy, thanks! I ended up putting a deposit on one at Luciano's, but will keep an eye on Legacy for some others I have in mind.

Just curious, has anyone spotted Colt Single Action Armies or New Frontiers in their travels through central and north jersey gun shops recently? I saw a new production SAA that looked great and am now considering a purchase! From what I understand to order one can take forever so I'd like to see what's out there. Thanks!

Stopped in today, nice shop! I didn't see any CZs but they did have a pretty good selection for a new place.

I have a 229 Stainless Elite (swapped in thinner Hogue grips) and a 226 X5 All Around, both 9mm. Shooting targets at 25 yards or where I want to be super accurate, I like the X5 better. However, the 229 seems to me to be a better all purpose gun. The size is a little more manageable, yet still big enough to be able to shoot easily. The 229 is what I keep in my nightstand safe with a light on the rail. Out of my small but growing collection with a few revolvers too, if I had to have one gun it would be the 229.

Welcome! I'm in Hoboken myself. Bullet Hole is closest. Some say it is decent, but I personally was not a fan. I found it small, crowded, and dark, your GFH First Steps class will end there so you'll see it. Most people have positive experiences with RTSP in Randolph that's a little further, but I didn't think their selection was as extensive as some. My personal favorite range/shop is Heritage Guild in Easton, if you buy there they can arrange pickup at one of their NJ locations. You also do not need your FID to handle the merchandise as most or all NJ shops require. A nice shop (no range although they may be affiliated with a Bayonne BYOG range) in JC is Caso's. The sisters that run the shop are really friendly and seem knowledgable.

Lou's in Raritan has some STIs.

Sorry BH, not quite there yet..Nickel trooper and maybe a 1911 or S&W 29 first!

Is anyone familiar with their used revolver selection? Seems like the kind of place that could get some in.

Thanks for the post. It's like the guy on here who quotes Jefferson in his signature, some sentiments do not get old.

Great post. What should we call them instead? It doesn't help that AR could be interpreted as an abbreviation for Assault Rifle.

Space.com has a good writeup on it. Nothing to worry about with one of this size. In modern history they have been known to cause regional power outages (1989 an X15 flare caused an outage in Canada). There was a mega one in 1859 that set telegraph stations on fire from the sparks and an aurora was visible in Cuba. Something that size would be a problem today, but I've read that is a 500 year event. Other activity is mostly normal and part of the I think 11 year solar cycle. http://www.space.com/16560-major-solar-flare-erupts-giant-sunspot.html

$50 in. Great reminder on an appropriate day mcbethr!

I have a mid size Barska. That's great to hear about the beeps! It has a shelf and is good for 2-3 handguns not in their cases and a few hundred rounds of ammo. I only bothered programming one thumbprint in and it's worked every time but one when I didn't have my finger lined up. It's good for the purpose of keeping kids or quick thieves away but is not likely to stand up to a crow bar or sledge.

My local PD said no to brother in law. I agree with the others get a few PPPs while you are at it.

I've seen some at the Heritage Guild/NJ Firearms Guild within the last month, I forget which model at which location, but they'll transfer between.

I read (and after buying and trying them myself agree with) that the fit/use of the Sensgards isn't for everyone. Doesn't hurt to try them though.

Everyone's experiences vary, but I've been there several times and always have had a good experience, particularly with Walt, but others too. Sorry to hear yours did not work out.

Thanks for sharing both! I ran into pepper at the range and like Clint's method much better than the RSO's!

I just picked up some Hornady Critical Defense 110 gr FTX in 38 for my revolver. It's a plastic or wax tipped point so has no restrictions in NJ but supposedly performs similar to a hollow point.

I saw a psychiatrist as a kid for migraines. I explained this to the FID officer and he said he didn't think it applied so suggested I answer no on the form and he'd follow up with me if anything came up. Nothing did. You may want to do the same and just ask.