PR-NJ

The subheadline of an email I received from the ANJRPC today states: NJ Attorney General Argues That The Second Amendment Right to Bear Arms Does Not Apply Outside the Home and That the Public Needs to be Protected From Those Legally Carrying! What jumped out at me when I read this is that New Jersey's AG actually has it half right (at least according to the subheadline)! The version of the Second Amendment that was ratified by the states reads: A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. (Emphasis added.) Apparently, the AG does not take exception to the right to keep arms (inside the home), but she chooses to ignores the peoples' right to bear arms. My simplistic analysis does not consider the terms in the second amendment that may be subject to interpretation: "well regulated," "militia," "security" and "free." However, several of these were considered and addressed by the Supreme Court in Heller. My rant for the day...

For a take-down .22, I kind of like the looks of this: Marlin 70PSS. Not "waterproof" when disassembled, but the case floats.

Shotgun - Remington or Mossberg; take your pick. I think you get a little more gun for the money with Mossberg. Some of what you're paying for with a Remington is the name (just my opinion).

On further review of all of Sec. § 2C:39-3 (not just subsection f.) there does appear to be a distinction between "dum-dum" bullets and "armor penetrating" bullets. (I'll blame my misread on the eloquent drafting of the law by the legislature.) Apparently, "dum-dum" bullets can be possessed in the same manner as hollow point bullets. § 2C:39-3(g)(2). "Armor penentrating" bullets are pretty much a no-no, at least for citizens.

Outstanding. Thanks.

As most are aware, in New Jersey significant restrictions apply to the possesion and use of hollow point bullets. However, it's not clear to me if the same restrictions apply to expanding full metal jacket (EFMJ) bullets (e.g., Federal Premium's offerings). EFMJ cartridges are sold in New Jersey gun shops, whereas I haven't seen hollow point bullets offered for sale. Federal Premium's website states: [EFMJ cartridges are an] ideal choice for agencies that don't permit hollow point ammunition, this revolutionary barrier-penetrating design combines a scored full metal nose over an internal rubber tip that collapses on impact. It never fills with barrier material and assures expansion on every shot. A lead core at the base maintains weight retention. Also an ideal personal defense option. The restrictions that apply to hollow point bullets also apply to "dum-dum" bullets. (See NJ Stat. Sec. 2C:39-3(f).) However, as far as I can tell, there's no definition in New Jersey's Statutes or Regulations that defines the term "dum-dum" bullet. The construction of the Sec. 2C:39-3(f) appears to suggest -- at least for purposes of New Jersey law -- that a "dum-dum" bullet is akin to a "body armor penetrating" bullet. Even so, I'd hate to see someone treat EFMJ bullets casually if they are somehow considered "dum-dum" bullets by an overzealous (or ignorant) LEO or state attorney. Anyone care to opine?

Gents - This is interesting (scroll down and click): http://www.smartgunner.com/. "Build your own" Daniel Defense rifle (kind of like Build a Bear). Not sure if any of the barrels offered are NJ legal, and you would have to make sure the lower came with a fixed stock.

No real budget constraints. I'm looking for a higher end, all around, decent rifle. This will be my first AR-15. I don't have any plans for putting together a "fleet" of AR-15s in my gun safe (famous last words). Nor do I intend to overload it with scopes, lasers, lights and other doodads (again, famous last words). I'm considering a Daniel Defense or Noveske. Might as well shoot high (pun intended). I'm guessing that a chrome barrel would be better than stainless steel, since I don't plan to need super accurancy. Hope this helps.

Recommendations?

The State of New Jersey seems to believe that a collapsible stock confers special powers to a semi-automatic rifle, somehow making it a public menace. Thus, gun enthusiasts in the state are forced to incorporate fixed stocks on their AR-type rifles. I personally have an aversion, however, to pinning (disfiguring) a perfectly good collapsible or folding stock. I thought I'd start a list of commercially available fixed stock offerings. Presumably, these buttstocks are legal in New Jersey. However, please have someone who is very familiar with the laws confirm this before you spend money on a new stock or attach a questionable stock to your AR. The penalties for breaking the law in this area are harsh. (Note - I am not an AR expert - more a neophyte. I'm still in the "research stage" for purchasing my first AR.) I doubt the list is complete. Please add to it, if you see fit. 1. Standard A2 stock, various manufacturers, here’s the Model 1 Sales offering: http://www.model1sales.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=465 2. Choate A2, https://secure.riflestock.com/catalog_page_detail.cfm?recordno=5&Product_CatalogID=2982&ProductNumber=16%2D01%2D02&ProductCode=1&ProductSubCodeID=265&NewProduct=0 3. Skeletonized A2, various manufacturers, here’s the DPMS version: http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/?prod=467 4. Sully stock, http://www.thedefensiveedge.com/Sully_Stock_p/sully01.htm 5. RRA fixed operator stock, http://www.rockriverarms.com/popup.cfm?type=i&id=products/stck_oper10.gif 6. Vltor Rifle Modstock (according to the manufacturer, only the rifle version is post-ban OK), http://www.vltor.com/rifle-modstock.htm 7. ACE ARFX (other models available), http://riflestocks.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=75_77&products_id=189 8. Mako, adjustable cheek mount, http://www.makosecurity.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SSR25&Category_Code=_M16Stocks 9. Magpul PRS, http://store.magpul.com/product/MAG307/84 10. Command Arms, http://www.commandarms.com/product.asp?pID=117&cID=57

Agreed. Caution and care are very good things. On the other hand (and not to give legal advice), the AW ban is expired federal law, not existing NJ state law. And unlike knowingly possessing a large capacity magazine, which is a clear violation of state statute, I am aware of no provision in the law that would prohibit the possession of a collapsible (telescopic or folding) stock, unless it's attached to an "assault weapon." As far as I can tell, one could have a collapsible stock on a semi-automatic rifle so long as the rifle did not have more than one of the following: a. a detachable magazine, b. a pistol grip, c. a flash suppressor or threaded barrel, d. a bayonette mount, or e. a grenade launcher. That's not to say that an overzealous LEO or prosecutor wouldn't "interpret" the law otherwise. As stated and implied above, why test the limits of the law?

Being somewhat of a sceptic, I checked on the deductibility of contributions to the Second Amendment Foundation. According to IRS Pub. 78 (which lists tax-exempt organizations), sir, you are correct!

Pizza Bob, you may mean constructive intent. I don't think there would be any question about possession if someone in fact had a collapsible stock in his/her home, car, etc. A theoretical risk, perhaps. However, it might prove very difficult to obtain a conviction on the basis of constructive intent for merely possessing a collapsible stock -- which alone, as far as I can tell, is not a violation of statute -- especially against an otherwise law-abiding citizen, and particularly if that citizen also possessed materials, tools, instructions. etc., for pinning a collapsible stock. That said, I'm not giving legal advice here, nor would I encourage anyone to break the law or test the limits of state statutes. (And, New Jersey being New Jersey, there's no telling what might happen!) Cheers.

Whiners and complainers, Time to put up or shut up. You can help defray the legal costs by donating through ANJRPC: https://anjrpc.site-ym.com/donations/ I just ponied up $100, and will contribute more after I receive my year-end bonus. While you're at it, sign up for ANJRPC membership. Cheers, PR-NJ

From NRA-ILA website: Invasive Personal Privacy Legislation Passes Committee! On Monday, November 15, the New Jersey State Government, Wagering and Tourism Committee approved S2379 by a 3 to 1 vote. Introduced by State Senator’s Barbara Buono (D-18) and Loretta Weinberg (D-37), this legislation would require organizations such as the NRA and the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs (ANJRPC), to send information regarding their contributions to the government. Specifically, S2379 would mandate that any “issue advocacy organization” classified under IRS Code as a 501©(3), 501©(4) or 527 that engages in the election or defeat of any person to state or local elective office; the passage or defeat of any public question; or that provides political information on any candidate, submit the names and addresses of contributors and their employers to the Election Law Enforcement Commission. At this time, S2379 has yet to be scheduled for debate on the Senate floor, so please continue to check your email and www.NRAILA.org for any new developments. In the mean time, please begin contacting your State Senator and respectfully urge him or her to oppose S2379! Contact information can be found here. As a result of S2379 making it through committee, I was inspired to join ANJRPC, http://www.anjrpc.org/. I urge you to do the same.

My two cents: Unlike a magazine that holds more than 15 rounds, I do not believe it's illegal in NJ to merely own a collapsible stock. Having a collapsible stock attached to a rifle with a removable magazine and/or a pistol grip, on the other hand, does appear to violate the statute. So, the brief period of time when one might have a collapsible stock attached to one's AR-15 before pinning might technically be breaking the law. Changing the topic slightly, I have a philosophical aversion to destroying the functionality of a perfectly good collapsible stock by pinning it. I'm considering an ACE Skeleton Buttstock instead of a pinned collapsible. Some decent reviews on the internet.

What state do you guys live in?!

I'm not sure a 15 round magazine actually exists for the Mini-14. You can buy the Ruger-made 10 round magazines at Sportsmen's Rendevous, but they aren't cheap (there or anywhere else).

I'll bite: 1. Beretta Neos - .22LR (approx. $250) 2. Glock 19 - 9mm (approx. $500) Then buy $250 worth of ammo!

High capicity .45 (50 round magazine), but probably not NJ legal. http://www.auto-ordnance.com/PA-1TH_ta.html

Maksim is correct about the tax. However, technically, it's not an income tax but a "use tax." You're supposed to self-assess and report use tax on your annual NJ Gross Income Tax (income tax) return. Use tax is due on all purchases that would otherwise be subject to sales tax, but on which no sales tax was paid. This would include stuff you buy via the internet from Amazon, Cabela's, Midway, etc., and that big screen TV set you bought in Delaware. (Most people don't realize this.) Note that most clothing purchases in NJ are not subject to sales tax, so no use tax would be due. Also of interest, gun safes ("firearm vaults") are not subject to sales or use tax in NJ.

Myself and wife are members. I shoot more, but she's a better shot.