TheWombat

Revolvers have never really appealed to me. I'll rent a couple over the coming months to see if that changes. thanks TheWombat

Quick update. My wife and I applied for the FID/PPs 18th August 2011. The detective was professional and helpful. We're using out of state references who have already received the reference letters. Due to overseas work trip our finger prints are not until 9th Sept. So far a positive experience TheWombat

just donated. good luck and thanks! TheWombat

Our office building in Secaucus was evacuated. My first ever earth quake and not something I had ever expected to experience in this part of the USA. TheWombat

Or check their website TheWombat

Not so concerned on the safety. Almost everyone I've spoken to (including Sig DA/SA owners) has recommended going LEM with the P30. I will be trying both LEM and DA/SA before I buy. TheWombat

Sig P226 with SRT (that is not an Elite) H&K P30 or P30L with LEM and no safety TheWombat

My shooting requirements are predominantly around shooting at the range and I am looking at entering some IDPA competitions just for some fun (rather than home defense). I'm predominantly focusing on 9mm to keep ammo costs reasonable although that doesn't preclude other options. My wife is supportive (and even looking at owning her own guns) however I think she'll be getting concerned if I get more than 3 handguns (for now). While my FID is being processed i'm going to be renting some handguns to try however have a reasonable idea of a preferred short list (subject to change naturally) 1. Sig P226 9mm with SRT - also supports a .22 conversion for cheap practicing 2. H&K P30 9mm with LEM trigger The above gives me a smallish polymer and a standard metal hand gun. the question then is what would be a sensible 3rd handgun to keep these company. Within reason the budget is not an issue (I.e. $600 - $1300 NIB). My initial short list is would be to pick just ONE from the following. a. Springfield XDm 5.25 barrel 9mm - a longer polymer handgun. I've shot the standard XDm and liked it, however the magazines would require modification. b. Browning Hi Power 9mm c. CZ 75 SP01 Shadow - good reviews, large and heavy, also comes with a .22 conversion. Now IDPA approved d. CZ 75 SP01 Phantom - polymer version of the CZ 75. Not sure if IDPA approved e. .45 1911 - just because it's a .45 1911!! While I will be investing in training i'd appreciate any insight, pros, cons, suggestions from the forum.. Thoughts? TheWombat

While I await my FID, I've been working on my shortlist of handguns to try before I buy. A couple of the specific models are less common and may only be available at resellers outside of NJ (although I will try the forum sponsors first!). A couple of questions: 1) If I buy out of state can anyone recommend a NJ FFL that is within a 30 minute drive of Secaucus (07094) that has reasonable charges for handling the transaction and if necessary could modify a hi-capacity magazine down to 15 rnds (e.g. for the XDm). 2) As I have 3 pistol permits, if I find 2 handguns I like is it possible to have the NJ FFL hold onto the second one for the balance of the remaining month in order to comply with NJ laws, or must I pay a deposit to the out of state seller to hold the handgun for the month or are there other options? thanks TheWombat

My wife and I went to the Police Station today and submitted our FID application and 3 PPs each. So far I can say a positive experience, the detective was helpful and professional. Now we just wait.... My shortlist currently includes: Sig P226 9mm - shot one at the NRA Basic Pistol course and liked it... a lot. Springfield Armory XD 9mm or XDm 9mm - have shot the XD a couple of times and had tight groupings. H&K USP 9mm - never shot H&K P30/P30L - never shot M&P 9/Pro - never shot I've also shot the Glock 17/19/21, however they are not on my short list (for now), although my wife liked the Glock 19. Then again until we've tried more semis the short list is just a list.... Also possibly a 1911 or a .22.. so many choices! I liked the GSG .22 1911 so maybe that's a good practice gun. In the interim we'll pop to Shore Shot and also take up some of the offers from forum members to come along. thanks to you all for making us feel welcome. :-) TheWombat

I believe so based on what we were told during our NRA Basic Pistol course TheWombat

My wife and I attended our NRA Basic Pistol today and the 'practical' part of the course was at Schuetzen Park Rifle Range in North Bergen (Union City). This is a private range, and oddly although I know it exists it is difficult to actually find details on it using Google! Talk about well hidden! The actual range is at the back of the Schuetzen Park (Senator Lounge) bar. 3167 Kennedy Blvd, North Bergen, NJ 07047. It's our first experience at an indoor range (we've only been to Sunset Hill in PA which is an external range). I found it rather claustrophobic and cramped which detracted from the enjoyment of the actual shooting. It felt like being in a low ceiling basement. For any follow on training we will look elsewhere due to the indoor range although we found the instructors were helpful and friendly. We passed the exam and I also had my first opportunity to shoot a SIG P226. The SIG was as good as I had hoped it would be and even my wife commented on it being her favorite pistol. She also liked the Spingfield Armory 1911. I am assuming that other indoor ranges have a bit more space, otherwise I'll be spending most of my time outdoors, even if the weather is wet and cold! Our thanks to the instructors for their help and time during the day. The Wombat

Just to add to this, the "Green Card" or "Permanent Resident Alien" card has switched back to being green again since May 2010 and also now includes an RFID chip. Our cards look like the picture on the top right of this Wikipedia page: Green Card (Wikipedia) Anyway, the summary is we're here at the request of my organization who relocated me. Since we're here we have decided to treat the USA as if it were our home. Thanks to all for their congrats, we'll be in touch soon and am looking forward to meeting you at the shooting ranges. NRA Basic Pistol is today! :-) Alex

While my wife and I await our FIDs I was thinking of heading over to a large store and browsing/trying the following: Electronic Ear Muffs - need to find some my wife finds comfortable so would like to try before we buy Eye Protection - as both my wife and I wear prescription glasses we need to find some Eye Protection that feels comfortable and fits over our glasses Handguns - unsure if Cabelas lets you try holding handguns unsupervised, however would like to hold a few to see which feel comfortable as a shortlist for when we go to Shore Shot to rent Bag Cabelas in PA is a 2 hr drive from Secaucus (we are close to NYC but in NJ). Are there any other places people recommend as large stores where you can just browse and not worry about being chased by sales people :-) thanks TheWombat

Yes, she received her green card as well today. My week felt like :thsmiley_deadhorse: however ended as a :-) TheWombat

I had a present in the mail box today when I arrived home... My Green Card.. So I am now a permanent resident. I'll be heading down to Secaucus PD to apply for my FID next week. TheWombat

thank you all for the quick responses. TheWombat

I work for a large international organization that has a strict HR policy to not provide character references. They will only provide confirmation of employment. They have provided me with an information sheet that I can pass on to any reference checker with details on how to confirm my current employment (it is a phone number where the reference checker enters my my employee id and receives an automated response). How much of an issue will this be for my FID? I am applying for a FID and 3PPs. I am worried that the local PD may contact my employer who would either not respond or respond with stating they don't provide character references. I can see my options as: a) provide the local PD my employer contact details and trust to luck they don't request a character reference b) let the local PD know when I apply that my employer doesn't provide character references and provide them with the information sheet on how to confirm my employment. c) provide a specific contact name at my employer for them to contact who would agree to provide the reference** **c) is likely an issue if I provide my boss's contact details as my boss is actually based in the UK. I could use a colleague as a contact who is also a Director although they are not actually my boss. Any recommendations, suggestions or help? thanks TheWombat

Thank you! I tried the Springfield XD-9 at Sunset Hill last weekend and really liked it! We may be in touch! The Glock 17/19/21 felt good as well. The handgun I struggled with the most was the Beretta 9mm, where my wife totally out shot me! TheWombat aka Alex

Thank you (almost ) everyone for such a warm welcome - I am touched! I'll take the advice and pop down the local PD to see what they say about the FID. My wife and I are busy for the next couple of weekends however we will definitely be in touch to take up the offers for going to the shooting ranges and trying some handguns/rifles. Once again - thank you - you have made us feel very welcome to this country. We had reservations about relocating the family to the other side of the world however I can honestly say that the responses today have been one of the biggest (positive) surprises of the 20 months we have been in the US. thank you TheWombat aka Alex

Hi everyone, I've been lurking for a couple of weeks since I took a visit to Sunset Hill Shooting Range in PA. My wife and I live in Secaucus, NJ. Having spent a few hours at Sunset Hill my wife likes the Glock 19 and 17, while I'm still waiting to try a few rounds on a SIG P226. We're looking to apply for our FID and pistol permits however I have a few questions. We are both booked to take our NRA Basic Pistol this month :-) Background We have been in the USA for 20 months (relocation from Australia due to a company re-organization. I'm on an L1 visa and am part way through the Green Card process) however this will take a few more months to complete. We are both > 35 years old, have no criminal record and have not had any mental health or other issues. Questions: 1) Are we likely to encounter issues with the FID and PP due to not being a Citizen or having a Green Card? Is it better to wait a few months to get the Green Card and then a few more months to get the FID/PP? 2) Does anyone have any experience of the Secaucus PD FID process, i.e. how friendly they are? I've done a search of the forum however haven't found any specific posts? 3) As my wife does not work, is there any benefit in just one of us applying (e.g. me) for 2 pistol permits rather than us both applying in case there is a rejection which then goes on file? 4) For the NJ Gun Ranges that do gun rental - are there any requirements you must meet in order to rent a gun (e.g. FID?) or could we just 'walk in' rent a Glock 19 and SIG P226 and then shoot at the range? Any help appreciated. While we like Sunset Hill it is a 90 minute drive and is proving a little expensive if we go every week. thanks Alex