Genewarper111

Yes, as I explained to CB, every NJ2AS meeting has GFH people processing FL applications, as well as running prints for other permits - i got the prints for my AZ there. The service offered by Cameron and GAPP is however very smooth and comprehensive and does NOT require one to obtain any additional safety training, because this is an integral part of the day. It's very much horses for courses and what type of service individuals require Best G

GAPPNJ offers a complete Florida and Utah CCW permit service http://www.gappnj.com/upcoming_courses/utfl_ccw Here, you will get both sets of forms completed correctly, and all necessary photographs and fingerprints for both permits, including spare sets. The course also includes a live fire / range safety component so there is no need to take additional courses to satisfy the FL requirement. GAPPNJ also offers the complete range of NRA courses, so if one wants, one can obtain the Basic Pistol certificate necessary for some states' CCW permits, such as CT http://www.gappnj.com/nra_basic_courses/basic_pistol Good luck with your shooting! G

I think one of the most telling thing is that an NJ police sergeant allowed himself to be quoted on NJ.com as saying "It's defending your place". This is an extremely positive statement, and confirms my personal impression that many LEOS are in favour of civilian legal gun ownership and defensive use. happy shooting everyone G

No trouble at all! - See you soon G

+1 for the Savage Mk II. Great rifle. Lovely heavy barrel. Gorgeous trigger. I have a Nikon 22 scope on mine and it's a perfect pair. Good luck with whichever you choose and don't underestimate choosing ammo carefully to get the best out of it. The bulk 500 boxes are ok, but CCI, Federal and Winchester all make a range of higher velocity cartridges that are worth trying and may show their worth at 50 or 75 yards. Oh and remember to SHOOT it.... A LOT!! Congrats on the new gun G

We usually find that people enjoy the chance to learn about a range of pistols and to shoot a a variety of actions and calibers, even though they own a pistol already, or have a favorite one.. most people haven' shot a 357 magnum, for example, although some have. With the longer course, there's also a little more time to go into questions people may have, and to spend more time on the range, focusing on shooting fundamentals. If you're thinking about CCW, GAPP offers a comprehensive UT and FL course, and the Live Fire component is extensive and suitable for the FL permit, but for some (CT, for example) the "Basic Pistol" certificate is required. (see here: http://www.ct.gov/despp/cwp/view.asp?a=4213&Q=494614&desppNav_GID=2080 "You are required to complete a handgun safety course, which must consist of no less than the NRA's "Basic Pistol Course," prior to submitting the application. The NRA's "Home Firearms Safety Course" and "First Steps Pistol Orientation Program" are not approved courses. Live fire is also required. Computer-generated programs, dry-fire, other simulated shooting tools, plastic bullets, air guns or any other alternatives are not acceptable. Students must fire a semi-automatic pistol or revolver.") In the end however, only you can decide what training is best for you - you've already made the most important decision, which is to investigate formal training. Happy shooting - looking forward to meeting you in person! G

On the GAPP website you can find a tab labelled "NRA basic courses" http://www.gappnj.com/nra_basic_courses This takes you to a description, with dates and prices, of how we present the NRA "Basic" curriculum. Each of these courses is designed to qualify the student to obtain the NRA "Basic" certificate in the respective discipline (eg, "Basic Shotgun"), and in so doing, instill the correct Knowledge, Skills and Attitude to allow new and novice shooters to go safely to the range themselves. So, they are designed for complete beginners and you do not need your own firearms. Everything you need is provided: guns, ammunition, breakfast, lunch and coffee, and all the NRA course materials. The courses each have class and range elements. The guns you will shoot cover different actions and calibers. You may also bring your own if you have them (but only factory ammo please, no reloads). The instructors all hold the appropriate NRA firearm and range safety qualifications. So, come and try out these courses, and bring your spouse, partner or friend! Best G

Hi CM and thanks for your interest in the GAPP classes. I know we already have people signed up for the October Basic Pistol class, so you should feel free to sign up and perhaps bringnyour spouse, partner or even a non-shooter friend. Everything needed (guns, ammo, course materials, coffee, breakfast, lunch) is provided and the course includes class and range elements. If you want to bring your own firearm, of course you may, but please don't bring reloaded ammo - factory only. The course is designed to qualify you for the NRA Basic Pistol certificate, so it covers how pistols are built and how they work (revolvers and semi autos, and yes - you get to shoot both in 22 and heavier), how ammo is built and works, pistol safety, fundamentals of shooting and introduction to marksmanship, and so on. The instructors all hold the appropriate NRA pistol and range safety qualifications. So, give it a try and bring someone with you; I guarantee you'll have a great time. Best G

The TC will provide a range of rifles, usually in 22. It should include a semi auto such as the Ruger with the 10 round rotary mag. If by semi auto you mean AR/AK style, it's not usually used for NRA rifle instructor. Bear in mind that the pre-qual has become more rigorous and you will - or should be - asked to shoot a target that will become part of the record the TC keeps of your progress. As has been stated above, before you get to the "rifle" part, you need to pass "Basic Instructor Training", but this covers you for additional disciplines, such as pistol. Good luck!! G

Hi everyone. Revolvers: they have several advantages for home defense, such as being unlikely to jam or suffer oddball mechanical issues. When treating home defense classes all instructors should discuss this. In any event, the best home defense gun is the one you're likely to use and enjoy training with and shooting. If that's a revolver, great. Room clearing: up to you of course, and IANAL etc, but I'm pretty sure that could lead you into trouble. None if the home defense instructors I know would advise that. Working with your home environment however is another question, but as an instructor, I'd be wary of going to the homes of people I don't know for this purpose. Rosey: unquestionable revolver and 1911 skills and an excellent and committed teacher, tutor and trainer. If you question that you clearly haven't met him. Good luck to all!! G

I was one of five who took this VERY interesting course last night. After a lively discussion of about 45 minutes covering different types of flashlight, cost versus utility and the effect of strobes, we went onto the range for a 200 round class. The course was conducted entirely in the dark, with flashlights, and lasted almost four hours. We were shown five different ways of working with a flashlight. Three of these allowed a double-handed grip (of sorts!) to be used, two required strong single-handed skill to get shots on target. We performed what would ordinarily be a very basic drill on shooting strong-side and weak-side from cover, and learned how much more demanding this is in the dark. The course was stepped up further by having to perform tactical and emergency reloads in the dark, with the flashlight, and learned the importance of not lighting oneself directly or indirectly while doing so, and how difficult it is to achieve this. A short exercise on moving while keeping the flashlight still (difficult and counter-intuitive) rounded out the course. The shooting drills performed in this course would be well-within the skills of most experienced pistol shooters in the light. It was extraordinary how disorientating it was to work in the dark, and manipulate one's gun, reload AND shoot accurately, while having to hold and aim a flashlight, and turn it on and off. This course is recommended and it is a challenge - it was great fun and very demanding even though the course of fire was straightforward. There was a lot to think about. G

Try tech ops international, here in nj G

Wow. Really sorry I missed that. Must get back and check the schedule of coming events. Thanks, W! Best, G

PM sent G

Please, if you're going, remember this is a New Jersey Second Amendment Society event, and consider joining? It's only around $35 a year and they are truly doing more for us at a grass-roots level than anyone has, and doing it consistently. If you don't know about them, check out their website: http://www.njj2as.org You'll be surprised how much they have achieved and are doing. Best G

When is a magazine not a magazine? When it's a CLIP, obviously!!! Lol (and dives for cover). G

I was there, along with Cameron from GAPPNJ and Tim Metzner. Great evening! G

There is a video on YouTube of the work that has to be done to take this gun down for cleaning. I'd watch it before reaching for your wallet... Search "fnar take down" or "fnar bolt removal" G

A "Back to Basics" approach to NRA Basic Pistol. Working through GAPPNJ, NRA certified firearms instructors Tim, Jen, Frank and Grant are taking a more hands-on approach to the NRA Basic Pistol course than has become fashionable in these days of Powerpoint and e-presentations. Shooting is something that people do with their hands, so we want to give our students as much time handling pistols, and seeing and feeling how they work, as we can. We believe strongly that this is the best way to prepare our students for the live-fire part of the course and to enable them to get the most fun from this as possible. So, we have decided to offer a version of the NRA Basic Pistol Course that has less powerpoint-based lecturing and more question, answer and participation than courses that run with large class-sizes. NRA courses are about "Knowledge, Skills and Attitude" and of course, safety. We want to add "involvement" to that mix, too. Our courses are being mentored by Cameron Green of GAPPNJ, who is an NRA-certified Training Counsellor and an experienced and respected firearms trainer. Together, we want to bring a great class and range experience to our students across all the NRA disciplines. Follow the links in the "NRA Basic Courses" menu on the GAPPNJ website to sign up for the course and to learn about dates for Basic Rifle and Basic Shotgun, too. See you in class! Grant

I acted as an RSO at today's class. It was impressive how well-oiled the GAPPNJ machine is. Everything went very smoothly - registration, fingerprinting, photographs, filling out the forms for UT and FL and assembling the packets. The taught portion was a really strong introduction to handguns, safety and shooting, covering the necessary UT State requirements also. A serving police officer gave an entertaining, but clear discussion of just why we need to be allowed to have the NJ permit on a "shall issue" basis. The class was rounded off with a short range segment, covering single shots, two and three-shot strings and reloading, before people returned to the classroom to ask final questions and receive their certificates. Great class, I thought. G

No candy thanks, but....are those little puppies in your van, mister?? G

East Brunswick I received a call from the officer in charge who was following up on my acting as a referee for a new fpid applicant. He took a tiny amount of time, asked only two questions, was pleasant, polite, efficient and easy to deal with. G

Snookie (as previously stated) and the consequent definition of a new colour: "Dorito" G ( I know, not original, but still fun)

This afternoon I received a phone call from East Brunswick police following up on my willingness to act as a referee. The (cheerful and friendly) officer asked me: i) how long I had known the applicant and ii) did I have any reservations about their being able to own firearms That was it. Kudos to EB police!! G