gleninjersey

Oh, I also found the Ruger SR40 really difficult to load (the clip). Maybe it's because I haven't loaded a semi-automatic in close to 20 years (but even back then I only did it a handful of times and didn't like it) or because I'm not used to it or maybe b/c .40 caliber are rather big bullets and more difficult....but probably mostly b/c I'm a noob. Just my opinion/experience.

It is right off of 78 (1st exit after you go through the toll) and was easy to get to for me as I live near Bridgewater. I was originally thinking of going to RTSP in Randolph but after reading about how much they charged for their ammo on the forum here and other comments I decided to give Heritage Guild a try...mostly because all the comments I read here were positive about them and it was about the same distance. Rented the Ruger SP 101 .357 (3 inch barrel) and the Ruger SR40 (somebody else had the 9mm). Bought a box of 50 .38 ($24.99) and a box of 50 .357 ($28.99) and the .40 cal was ($20.99). I liked the revolver for the simple fact that it was easier to load and operate. The instructors were helpful and one suggested I should try the S&W .357 686 next time I come in. I figured since I was there I would just try it right then and bought another box each of .38 and .357. I liked the sights on the S&W more and the trigger was easier to squeeze. The longer barrel of the S&W (6 inch) provided seemed to improve my accuracy. Next time I go I'll shot less rounds and try more guns. The .357 has a hell of a kick to it. I literally stripped a layer of flesh away from my hand in the area between my thumb and index finger!....didn't stop me from going back and shooting the S&W though (dumb ass that I am). As far as the range and facility and it was very nice (though I have nothing to compare it to) and it wasn't crowded when I went (maybe it being Good Friday had something to do with that?). I arrived a little after 5pm and was shooting with 20 minutes or less (including filling out the paperwork, getting the ammo and watching a 10 minute safety/range rules video). I def went over an hour but I guess since it was very slow (I think there was one other person on the range when I left) they didn't care. All in it was close to $200. $20 for the lane fee, $12 for each gun you try, shooting glass and ear protection rental ($1 each) but I feel it was worth it. I was thinking about going with the GP100 after my FID and permit are approved but after shooting it I realize I like the S&W much more. The sights on the S&W were much better and easier to see and it held 7 rounds as opposed to 5.

Quick question. Are the personal reference forms that the PD sends out town specific? I'm trying to find it on the State Police page but don't see it. I wanted to email it to one of my references becasue they travel for business and are hardly ever home.

Thanks JM. I realize that and that is one of the reasons I'm looking at the .327 as well. Most specificially b/c it seems to have less recoil and the ability to use .32 rounds. I need to google the prices of ammo though to see how much of a price differential there is between the .327 & .32 caliber ammo compared to more "main stream" ammo (9mm, .357, .38, .45, etc). I was also wondering how easy it is to find .327 & .32 ammo. If the ammo is more expensive and harder to find than others I may have to cross it off the list.

On the long list of handguns I'm considering is the .357 and I came across this video about a .327: http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=GP141-C&index=1&mfg=Ruger&mdl=All&cat=1&type=Revolver&cal=357&fin=&sit=&pid=&inv= and was wondering if anyone has any opinions or experience with it. What interested most was the lower recoil than a .357 and towards the end where they are talking about the 5.5 inch .327 Blackhawk that holds 8 rounds and is able to accept .32 rounds. It sounds like a well rounded gun for a beginner and if I ever want to get my wife out to shoot the recoil sounds much more managable than a .357. I guess my main concern is I have never before heard of a .327 or .32 round and am wondering how expensive the ammo would be compared to more poplular rounds (.357, .38, 9mm, 45mm, etc) and how available the ammo is. While the .327 sounds interesting if the ammo is substantially more expensive and harder to find than other ammo than that would influence my consideration of it. Right now I'm very interested in trying this out. Any insight/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

One of my personal references let me know they received the paperwork and I contacted my other reference to tell them to keep an eye out. Getting closer.

Okay, I'll follow up with the references. The officer in charge of the FIDs made it sound as if all they do if a telephone reference. I'll touch base with my references this week. I also left a voicemail for the officer earlier today asking if I had to drop a copy of the receipt from the fingerprinting or needed to make another appointment. I'll ask him if the references will be mailed questionaires or done by telephone. Thanks for the heads up.

Just to keep everyone abreast of my progression and to give others newbies a sense of the process... I went to the fingerprinting company on Wed evening. I was in and out in less than 10 minues (probably closer to 5!). I had paid in advance online so I'm sure that saved a little bit of time. As you have to make an appointment, they were expecting me and there were no other people waiting. They don't use ink anymore so there was no mess and no cleaning up. I believe I need to call the officer handeling my application an let him know the fingerprinting has been completed. He mentioned they can't proceed with the applicaiton until that was done. Not sure if I need to drop off my receipt from the fingerprinting company or just inform the officer...will update later.

Wife is on board with the purchases after many years of not wanting to. I think a friend's story of being home with her two young children while her husband was way when two people broke into their house in broad daylight and the fact that the wife had a gun, knew how to use it and let the intruders know that (after she dialed 911) may have had something to do with briningin her around....and similiar recent news events that are very similar in nature. I intend to have her try out the shotguns. Not sure if she would want to get her own Firearm ID. Is it really necessary? We aren't looking to buy several guns. Thanks for the info about the ranges and rentals. We are in central NJ area near Bridgewater. Wife doesn't want me being too specific. Won't be attending the rally.

Just wanted to say hello. Just posted in the new firearms owner topic. I live in Central Jersey, started the application process today and am looking to purchase for home defense and recreational shooting.

Hello everyone. I have been reading some of the posts here to inform myself of the application process and to learn more about guns in general. WhiIe I am new to gun ownership I have shot a litte bit in the past (revolvers, semi auto hand guns, shotguns and rifles), Looking at purchasing a shotgun for home protection/self defense and a handgun. I just dropped off the Firearm ID paperwork today and also made my online appointment to get fingerprinted and paid the fee ($55 ish) online at the same time. Fingerprinting appointment is for the 30th in the evening....they had earlier dates available but not at the times I could make it .....I work and don't home until after 6pm generally. My visit to my town's police department to start the process was rather quick and painless. I had filled out the Firearms ID form prior to going and had to fill out two other forms while there. I was in and out in less than 25 minutes. I'll keep you posted on how the process goes. I'm looking at a shotgun mostly for the wife...something easy to use and don't have to be too accurate. I was considering the Maverick HS12 because it looks very simple to use and operate. Only concern is it only holds two rounds but to stop or make an intruder flee I don't think you would need much more. http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/default.aspx?pg=list&mfg=Maverick+Arms&mdl=HS-12&cat=2&type=Shotgun&cal=12+Gauge&fin=&sit=&zipcode=08812 I was also looking at some pump action Remingtons as well. How difficult is it to reload/pump? My wife isn't the strongest creature around and not too well coordinated. If easy, then it would resolve the two shot limitation of the Maverick HS12. http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=82540&index=10&mfg=Remington&mdl=All&cat=2&type=Shotgun&cal=All&fin=&sit=&pid=&inv= http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=5012&index=4&mfg=Remington&mdl=All&cat=2&type=Shotgun&cal=All&fin=&sit=&pid=&inv= I need to to some research on what handgun to purchase. Are there some ranges within a responsible drive of central NJ that one can rent/try out different handgun?