AVB-AMG

@voyager9: To answer your question above, most states require by law that all aircraft owner's purchase and maintain aviation liability insurance. While not an "item", all of us professionals, including Doctors, Architects, Engineers, may be required by some states where we are licensed to purchase and maintain professional liability/indemnification insurance. As an Architect, my specific insurance is referred to as "Errors and Omissions" (E&O) insurance. Of course there would be an exception such as the use of dedicated farm vehicles used exclusively on private land, such as a farm, that stay on the farm property or even only use a public road temporarily for access to their farm properties. But that is a very small number of vehicles which would be exempted in any reasonable law. AVB-AMG

@WhoisDuck Unlike @gleninjersey, I hope you do own or at least enjoy and appreciate either M-B AMG's and/or BMW M-Series vehicles. Like you, I have been on a number of road trips to explore the U.S. and have had a blast in the process.... Welcome to NJ, for however long you are here for. AVB-AMG

@voyager9 Yes, the required liability insurance coverage would be for covering accidents involving firearms, similar to what standard liability insurance covers. What is the point of owning an automobile if you cannot legally drive it on public roads.....??? As far as CCW is concerned, if it is ever passed nationally, then the liability insurance issue will be front and center. Why not get the ball rolling now with this coverage for all gun owners? AVB-AMG

Personal Property Insurance From an insurance perspective, a firearm is a possession. Like most relatively durable objects, the main threats to a firearm stored in a home are fire, water, wind, and thieves. I was interested in obtaining insurance for my firearms, in case of accidental damage due to carelessness or fire, ultimate destruction or theft. IMHO, the first step in in protecting one’s firearms and other valuables, including important documents, is acquiring a good quality, highly rated gun safe that is strong, secure and fire resistant. Aside from a good gun safe, the best measure you can take to ensure that your firearms are protected from perils such as fires, tornadoes, or theft is to insure them with a homeowner or renters policy. In general, your homeowners or renter’s policy covers everything in your home, but there are some exceptions and put sub-limits on certain categories of possessions, usually between $2,000 and $3,000—on losses for guns that are stolen from a home, destroyed in a fire, or lost in some other catastrophic event. You would be prudent to read the fine print of your current policy to see what its limits are, as well as its exclusions. Those with more than a couple of guns in their collection may want to explore obtaining either a scheduled rider to your homeowner’s policy that will cover all of your firearms or as an alternative option, purchase a separate supplemental insurance policy which provides similar coverage. I elected to do that later and purchased a separate personal property insurance policy for all of my firearms from a company who specifically provides dedicated firearms coverage. Also, I chose a policy for my firearms that would reimburse me based for the replacement cost of each firearm, as opposed to their current fair market actual cash value. I was concerned and did not want to have depreciation factored into what the final payout would be. So, if I ever have to make a claim, the insurance company will pay the stated value of the gun up front. So, when I replace it, I can submit receipts and my insurer will reimburse me for any difference that I have to pay for an equivalent replacement. My research discovered that the cost for this dedicated insurance may fluctuate, depending on whether on stores their firearms in a gun safe. The process of obtaining my scheduled coverage was fairly simple and included making a list of all of my firearms, including make, model, and serial number and the purchase price. I also included an itemization for each firearm of any customized modifications made to it, as well as any accessories mounted on them and their associated costs. I also photographed each firearm. Ultimately, based on this research, I believe that the personal property gun insurance policy offered by the NRA may be one of the best deals available. The additional riders for homeowner's policies are considerably more expensive than the same coverage from NRA. If I continue to purchase additional firearms every year, I will have to adjust coverage accordingly, making the case for having insurance coverage even more important. As I understand the NRA gun insurance, it is essentially a secondary insurance, where your homeowner’s insurance policy would pay first to its limit, if you have firearms coverage, before the NRA insurance would pay. Therefore, there would be no double-payment, one from each insurer. From what I have determined so far, the NRA provides at no cost to its current active members up to $2,500 of insurance through ArmsCare Firearms Insurance, but a member must activate this benefit. A member may elect to purchase additional coverage for an additional annual fee, which seems reasonable to me. ArmsCare Plus Firearms Insurance provides NRA members with protection for their firearms and accessories up to $1,000,000 in coverage. Rates start at just $65 annually for $6,500 in coverage. The ArmsCare Plus Firearms Insurance works in tandem with the $2,500 No Cost ArmsCare Firearms Insurance provided with one’s NRA membership. Purchasing this additional insurance your benefit will be automatically upgraded to full replacement cost. Firearms valued at $2,500 or more must be scheduled, however, serial numbers are not required to be submitted. Both of these NRA endorsed insurance plans covers insured firearms, air guns, bows and arrows against theft, accidental loss, and damage. Guns and gun accessories including scopes, rings, mounts, slings and sling swivels, which are attached to the insured firearm and are protected from the following: • Damage • Direct physical loss • Fire • Theft (Theft from a vehicle is covered when it is the result of breaking and entering a locked vehicle or locked portion of the vehicle.) Here is a link for more information; https://locktonaffinityoutdoor.com/armscare-plus/ AVB-AMG

IMHO, the first priority for any gun owner should be to learn and follow the rules for the safe handling, cleaning, storage and transportation of firearms. The next task should be to examine the risks and liability associated with gun ownership and the research and find the best options for insurance products and solutions to meet your desired needs. Liability Insurance Keep in mind that one’s homeowners or renter’s insurance policy does not just protect one’s belongings, it also includes protection from liability, up to a point. Assuming that it is not a criminal act, policyholders may be covered for gun-related injuries or deaths sustained on their property. In most cases, a homeowners insurance policy provides a certain amount of liability coverage if you were sued for. Even if one uses their firearm for self-defense it could result in a very complicated and expensive legal ramifications. Since most standard homeowners policy have a liability limit of between $100,000 - $500,000, you may want to look into a personal umbrella policy for added financial protection. Umbrella insurance can not only provide that extra layer of liability coverage for guns, but also any other incident for which you may be found liable. (You may want to check yours to determine exactly how much coverage you have and whether your insurance company has any exclusions regarding certain types of cases). Purchasing an additional umbrella policy is the best way to obtain additional protection. It will in most cases, ensure that I do not have to pay out of pocket to defend myself from a lawsuit related to negligence or wrongful death, whether firearms are involved or not. We have purchased an umbrella liability policy to expand our coverage, from the same company that provides our homeowner's policy. Also, back in 2016, I enrolled myself and my wife in the U.S. Law Shield firearms legal defense program, with multi-state coverage, for some additional, "what if" scenario insurance coverage. It provides its members with legal services and representation in all 50 states, by an independent, third-party attorney who is both knowledgeable and experienced with that specific State’s gun laws, if you are arrested and charged for using a gun. Here is a link to its website: https://www.uslawshield.com/ Like any insurance policy, you hope that you never have to use it, but it is prudent to have it just in case.... AVB-AMG

I know that I am in the minority here on NJGF on this topic but I do believe that we should require ALL gun owners to have liability insurance. I also think that they would be prudent to also invest in a personal property/articles insurance policy for their firearms. Essentially, I think that there should be a federal law, (not state), requiring that all gun owners must purchase and maintain liability insurance for all of their firearms, similar to that required for cars. We allow cars to be driven on public roads but the driver must be insured in case he/she harms someone or damages property. The same should be true for owning and using guns, especially if CCW is eventually allowed nationally. I recognize and understand that no law is going to eliminate a criminal or a deranged individual who is really intent on obtaining some type of gun and committing crimes, murders or mass-murders. But I do not believe that we as a civilized society, should do nothing and just accept that the steadily increasing gun-related violence and crime, is the "price" for our freedom. We should not let the mounting number of deaths that are gun-related continue without attempting to address it, that truly is in ALL of the public's best interest. AVB-AMG

@Malsua: You made an excellent observation and point, which I agree with. Yet, it is not just the far left that wants to start something, it is also the far right. Both sides are naively advocating things that would lead to the destruction of our country's democratic goals and Constitutional Republic form of government. We are in a very precarious time that if cooler minds do not prevail, could erupt into something that would be most regrettable for all of us. AVB-AMG

@Sniper: Ah, so your results are not truly legitimate.... That is a relief! Why not take the abbreviated version of the B-M test online and see what it indicates you really are? (and share the results with us, if you are so inclined.....) AVB-AMG

@Mrs. Peel: Back in the early 2000’s all of our senior executives took the Meyers-Briggs Personality Type indicator test. In hindsight, it was interesting and usually relatively accurate in a general sense. I pulled out that file and saw that test indicated that I was ESTJ (Extroverted, Sensing, Thinking and Judging). They referred to that combination as an amiable traditionalist, or simply “The Director”. Doing some recent research on this specific personality type designation, this is what I found: (Let me know if you think it is accurate…..) Key ESTJ Characteristics Individuals with this personality type tend to place a high value on tradition, rules, and security. Maintaining the status quo is important to ESTJs and they often become involved in civics, government and community organizations. Because of their orthodox approach to life, they can sometimes be seen as rigid, stubborn, and unyielding. Their take-charge attitude makes it easy for ESTJs to assume leadership positions. Their self-confidence and strong convictions help them excel at putting plans into action, but they can at times appear critical and overly aggressive, particular when other people fail to live up to their high standards. People often describe ESTJ’s as predictable, stable, committed, and practical. They tend to be very frank and honest when it comes to sharing their opinions, which can sometimes be seen as harsh or overly critical. Now what is really scary is that @Sniper indicated that he had the same M-B test results… Oh boy…! AVB-AMG

@MichaelDiggs: Having enjoyed my Wilson Combat Tactical Supergrade 1911 in .45 ACP, I am a proponent of the quality and accuracy of WC's handguns. Are you familiar with the Wilson Combat EDX X9 in 9mm? It has a base MSRP of $2,895 which may still be more than what you want to spend, but less than the $4,000 - $5,000 of the top-of-the-line, Wilson Combat's full size 1911's. Here is a link: AVB-AMG https://www.wilsoncombat.com/edc-x9/

@Downtownv & @raz-0: In case you did not hear, read or see this news, Harley Davidson announced in mid-October that they were "temporarily" suspending production and delivery of new LiveWire Motorcycles due to problems with their 120-volt charging systems. Since this is a completely new type of motorcycle and the first generation is clearly experiencing some bugs that need to be worked out, you may want to consider holding off a bit until this issue and undoubtedly other issues are ferreted out, diagnosed and corrected before you decide to purchase one. Yet, it is a very intriguing bike that reportedly goes from 0-60 mph in 3 seconds... AVB-AMG https://www.forbes.com/sites/billroberson/2019/10/15/harley-davidsons-livewire-snafu-wasnt-a-death-knell-it-was-good-qc/#59621a7925b2

@Torkk: Are you right handed or left handed...? FYI - I was taught that if I was consistently shooting my handguns that resulted in a target grouping that was low and to the left that the problem most likely was that I was "milking the gun". That means that if one allows your entire hand to over wrap the firearm there may be a tendency to twist the firearm with each shot. The solution is to attempt to exert equal finger pressure to the rear of the firearm with your three fingers while applying the same pressure from the rear with the heel of your hand. I also began to use a GRIPMASTER PROHANDS PRO to exercise and strengthen the fingers in each hand to allow me to have a steadier grip with less jitters over time. All of that worked for me.... Good luck! AVB-AMG

@Zeke: Taking the admonishment and advice from @Mrs. Peel, lets try to keep our posts in this thread on topic.... But your "red flag" help really seems to be more like this type of "red flag" provocation.... AVB-AMG

@njJoniGuy: Upon first review, I can see how many folks would think that NJ's Red Flag law could possibly be a good idea and is well intentioned, in an attempt to prevent someone who has demonstrated some seriously concerning mental issues and who has access to firearms. Yet upon further consideration, including most importantly that it negates the affected's constitutional rights for due process, as written and enacted, it is a very flawed law. It should be repealed and if a better version could be conceived and agreed to, where the accused at the very least, is given a change to present their side of the story/argument/situation, prior to and possibly preventing any of their firearms being confiscated, then it could plausibly be acceptable. Of course, that will have to be all worked out in the details. AVB-AMG

@Sniper: It is posts like what you said above that clearly indicates that you either are just acting like an insecure asshole or you are in fact one! If it continues, we will know that it is the later.... Why must you act that way and say things like that? What is your problem? Are you so tribal that you cannot separate someone's moral, ethical and/or political views from the person and their other qualities and interests that may parallel yours? As far as you know, @Zeke may be worth far more than you or me, or more importantly, leads a more satisfying, content, enjoyable, and relaxing life than either you or me. So I wonder just what sort of insidious satisfaction it is that you derive from your condescending and rude comments towards him? As a poster here on NJGF who gets a fair amount of grief, I know how it feels to get continued criticism and it does tend to get wearing and old. Maybe you should consider just taking a time out and upon further reflection, giving it a rest..... AVB-AMG P.S. - I would suggest that you do the same towards @Sniper

@Mrs. Peel: I dare say that while I have never had lobster mac & cheese, it sounds so deliciously rich as to be a main course / entree dish all by its self.... While creamed spinach and baked potato with sour cream are my two favorite sides with steak, to each there own.... FYI - I recently purchased a big porterhouse steak. Once cooking was completed I cut off the filet from the bone for my wife to enjoy and I ate the sirloin, a win-win sharing solution. But usually I prefer to buy either NY Strips or Rib Eyes for us. AVB-AMG

@gleninjersey: I agree..... CZ does make some very accurate and reliable firearms that spans the price range from reasonable to expensive. Around four years ago I purchased the 2014 version of the CZ 75 SP-01 Shadow Custom (9mm in black) with a competition rear sight and fiber optic front sight. From constant practice and building experience, I consider it to be my most accurate 9 mm semi-automatic hand gun. AVB-AMG

@Zeke: I was not familiar with the CZ 1012 semi-automatic shotgun so I checked it out. The gas-less inertia operating system is intriguing and if it is consistently reliable, would be an added benefit of one less issue of the necessary periodic gun cleaning. It looks like a very nice, practical and affordable field gun, especially with a shorter barrel. But since I am not a hunter, it really would be wasted on me.... Oh well. AVB-AMG

@Handyman: Yes, almost all of the really good steakhouses and a fair amount of the mediocre ones are all very expensive. While I have heard about the sous vide method of cooking, I have never tried it. We use our outdoor gas grill to cook most of our meats and every once in awhile I will splurge and spend the extra money for Certified Angus USDA Prime grade beef and/or dry aged. Our gas grill can get very hot and by using an accurate meat thermometer and I can get our desired level of "doneness" which is medium rare. But I think there is a difference and as much as I have tried, and while I may have come close, I have not outdone them. I am an amateur and they are professionals. Maybe it is just my imagination or just psychological, but when I get a nicely prepared steak at one of the steakhouses on my "best of" list, they always seem to have a richer flavor, are more juicy and just taste better. I assume it is a combination of top quality beef, their dry rub preparation and expert skill in cooking beef on a regular basis to ensure consistency. I have a feeling that I am not alone in this sentiment..... AVB-AMG P.S. - Enjoy your "jelly"...... and "pardon me, would you have any Grey Poupon?"

@Handyman: As the corollary to this thread topic, the worst dining experiences that I have had in my adult life at a steakhouse and therefore try to avoid if at all possible, include most chain restaurants, including Ponderosa Steakhouse, and: - Peter Luger's, (see earlier posts on how this place has gone down hill) - Ruby Tuesday, (as they continue to close many restaurants it may just be a matter of time before they go out of business) - Ruth Chris Steak House, (are people truly excited to hear the sizzling sound of boiling butter under a steak being served?) - Texas de Brazil in NYC (Brazilian-style churrascaria steakhouses, where servers come to your table with skewers of beef for you to choose.) AVB-AMG

@greatgunstatenj: As far as I am concerned, when it comes to "Favorite Steak House(s)", not only does the all of the food and ingredients, especially the steak, have to consistently be of top notch quality and properly prepared to your specific order request, but the restaurant's atmosphere must also be to your liking, whatever aesthetic you prefer. With that in mind, having dined multiple times at Malonely & Porcelli's on 6th Avenue adjacent to Rockefeller Center. I will agree with you on the undependable consistency of the proper preparation of the food, but as importantly, have to point out that the restaurant's atmosphere is not what I would call enjoyable. Granted, the 7-8 times I have dined there over the past 20+ years, it has always been for a business lunch with 3-5 other business associates, so I cannot say what dinner might be like, even though the menu is quite similar. FYI, the ground-level restaurant underwent a major interior renovation back in 2012 and the result is a two-level space that, while providing some nice views to the north and east, also has many hard surfaces that reflect and reverberate sound. The result is a very noisy restaurant that at peak capacity, produces an audible cacophony din that makes clearly hearing normal conversation with your dining companions quite challenging. For a total enjoyable dining experience, especially when one is paying "New York prices", that is a deal breaker for me. I really only would go there due to its convenient location in Midtown Manhattan and because my clients or associates enjoyed it AND I had an expense account so I was not really paying the bill out of my pocket. Therefore, for those reasons, I omitted this restaurant from my list.... AVB-AMG

@PD2K: I had forgotten about Keens Steakhouse, (formerly known as Keens Chop House), until I you mentioned it in your post. This circa-1885 restaurant in Manhattan’s Garment District has one of the most interesting interior décors, which gives it a special machismo atmosphere, yet also a warm ambiance, that is unique of any of the NYC steakhouses. Much of this can be attributed to the approx. 90,000 Dutch white clay (churchwarden) smoking pipes suspended from the ceiling. As far as cuisine, I assume the steaks here are good, but have never tried one there. Each time I have gone I have ordered the house specialty: The Mutton Chop, which is a 26-oz, 2 inch thick saddle of meat from the loin section of the lamb, skirted with fat. FWIW, I find that Mutton has a more pronounced flavor than regular lamb. AVB-AMG

@diamondd817: I read that same devastating review when it came out in The New York Times today and have to agree with it. It is very sad that Peter Luger's, a famous institution and "THE" quintessential steakhouse, that was the genesis for quite a number of off-shoots, has deteriorated so much over the past 15+ years. The fact that they in this day and age still do not take credit cards is ridiculous. I could forgive them that major inconvenience if the steak and meal made up for it, but it does not. At this point, with all of the other alternative choices in the New York metro region, I doubt I will ever go back to Peter Luger's. They certainly are not the first notable restaurant to coast on its reputation and then realizing after the fact that that coasting was down hill..... AVB-AMG

This is a fun thread topic. As a dedicated carnivore, part of my travels for business and pleasure have allowed me the good fortune to be able to enjoy dining at some excellent and memorable restaurants, made even better if my firm was picking up the meal tab. Visiting project sites with clients during the lengthy construction phase of a project, gave me the chance to scope out some of the better local establishments and see which ones I preferred, returning for a repeat meal, when possible. Yet, over the past 30+ years we have all seen how the quintessential traditional American steak house has taken a back seat in many cities and our culture to themed or destination restaurants, with their obsession with culinary fashion of the moment, unusual, if not bizarre ingredient pairing and flashy minimalist presentations. There is really nothing wrong with that, but for me, there are times when one gets a hunger craving that nothing will satisfy you but this time-tested menu at a distinguished steakhouse: Start with an attitude-adjusting martini (straight up), followed by a decadent shrimp cocktail appetizer, and for the main event, a perfectly prepared, certified Angus USDA Prime, thick-cut ribeye steak with a simple salt & pepper dry rub, seared on both sides, cooked medium-rare over a hot flame, and served with a side of creamed spinach and baked potato, complimented by a glass or two of an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux. The steakhouses that I have dined at around the country, for the most part understand that what really matters is their grilling technique and the ingredient list, which has remained largely unchanged from the 1950’s to present day. The ones that are most memorable to me and which I recommend if you find yourself in those cities, are as follows: AVB-AMG Sparks Steakhouse Manhattan, NY I know… I know… one of the most famous tourist-trap restaurants in NYC and is one of the highest grossing independent restaurants in the U.S. But I have dined there for dinner at least 10 times in the past 30 years and have found it to be consistently top quality for both food and service. My usual order is what I stated above, except I always get their simple salt & pepper dry rubbed prime sirloin steak. Also, my wife and clients enjoy the theatrical changing of the white linen table cloth prior to serving the main course. Smith & Wollensky Manhattan, NY From entertaining clients there over the years, I agree with others who describe S&W at the quintessential New York steakhouse. I have never had a bad cut of beef there, or lamb chop or veal chop, but even more pleasantly surprising is the consistently high-quality of their market-fresh seafood. Barclay Prime Philadelphia, PA They served up a delicious meal starting with oysters on the half shell appetizer, followed by 20 oz, bone-in prime 40-day dry-aged NY Strip, with Kennett Square mushrooms on the side. The Prime Rib Washington DC While this restaurant chain started in Baltimore, MD, it opened up in DC back in the mid-1970’s. It served a large cut of roast prime rib that left a definite good impression. Morton’s The Steakhouse Chicago, IL This is the birthplace of what is now a national chain. Excellent certified USDA Prime steaks served in an old-world traditional setting. But he parading of the beef around the dining room is a bit gauche for my taste. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse Chicago, IL Another dining institution that serves grass-fed Australian beef that is wet-aged for a minimum of 75 days. For those who care, their cattle are free range raised, GMO/hormones/antibiotic free. 801 Chophouse KC Kansas City, MO They serve a delicious Kansas City Strip Steak, but the Ribeye and Delmonico are not far behind, with black truffle butter on the side. 5A5 Steak Lounge San Francisco, CA This is a stylish and contemporary take on the traditional steakhouse. The name comes from the designation of “A5” as the highest grade of beef in the world. They serve 100% Japanese Wagyu beef, along with both American and Australian raised Kobe beef. A good way to try out these hard-to-find treats. I had the 8 oz. A5 Wagyu Ribeye with truffle sauce and shimeji mushrooms, which tastes very different to me compared to USDA certified Angus beef, in an interesting way. St Elmo's Steak House Indianapolis, IA While not inexpensive, their USDA Prime, dry-aged, corn fed Midwest Black Angus beef was absolutely delicious. I splurged and ordered their 32-oz, 60-day dry-aged Tom-A-Hawk Ribeye which was preceded by the jumbo shrimp cocktail with sinus-clearing horseradish sauce. All-in-all, it was a religious experience and one of my favorites! New Jersey…??? I am still looking to find one…. Root’s Steakhouse in my hometown is very good, but not in the league of those steakhouses listed above, IMHO.

@Sniper: Now you are just being silly...."BBBut, but, but..... it could have been worse....!!!" Really? Give me a break. AVB-AMG