I’ve posted this before, but it is a good reminder:
GUN STORE EMPLOYEES ARE NOT PAID OR TRAINED TO GIVE YOU LEGAL ADVICE!!
I repeat -
GUN STORE EMPLOYEES ARE NOT PAID OR TRAINED TO GIVE YOU LEGAL ADVICE!!
Do not rely on gun store employees to keep you out of jail, or to interpret laws for you. They are there to take your money and walk you through some paperwork. Heed their advice at your own risk.
They are paid to sell guns and keep the shop out of trouble - NOT YOU. They are not required to have any training or certification in NJ or Federal laws past what is required to take your money, get you through NICS, and get you out the door.
There are some good ones that are knowledgeable. It is up to you to vet them, and decide if they are trustworthy.
Take legal advice from competent and reputable lawyers*. Preferably one well versed in NJ gun laws.
* Yes, that includes taking advice from well meaning members on online Gun Forums as well. Yes, that includes what I wrote above. I am not a lawyer. Accept what I said above at your own risk.
If you don’t know, research what you learned and vet what you hear/read here and elsewhere (which sounds exactly like what you are doing. Kudos!)
That being said, Krdshark is correct. You are right. They are wrong.
(Except for any restrictions on firearms on certain properties - for example a military base)