rdsmith3

I think it could be for safety reasons, too. Let's face it -- there are some sick people in the world. Someone could tamper with a gun, then return it. If the gun were re-sold, the next person to fire it could get hurt. Yes, it is a long shot, but retailers and manufacturers will avoid anything that could increase their liability.

Just a thought ... I bought one of these hand trucks from Harbor Freight to move a bunch of oak logs. Use a 20% off coupon and it is only $40. It has come in very handy for moving a refrigerator, filing cabinet, etc. The big tires go up and down steps easily. 600 lb. Capacity Bigfoot Hand Truck

I hear you. It's not my ideal scenario, either, but I'm just getting into firearm ownership and my money is going mostly to firearm(s), ammo, training, and range membership. A fancy safe is not in the budget yet. I filed a notch in the top of the key so that I will have it turned the right way in the dark. The safe is only about three steps from my side of the bed. I have several other security measures in place that should give me some warning.

Thanks for the responses. So if I keep the magazine fully loaded, but the chamber empty, then I'll still have six shells at my disposal. The "drawback" to this for HD, depending on your perspective, is that I would be racking the slide to get the first round in the chamber. This sound will either send the bad guy running in terror or alert him to where I am. Perhaps I am over-thinking this. Right now the keys for the locked cabinet are in a very inaccessible place, but when my youngest son, 5, gets older I may have to re-think this. He is an extremely inquisitive and resourceful child (he has already hacked my password for iTunes and cracked the PIN for his sister's iPad, and he cannot read yet). With the chamber empty, there shouldn't be any accidental discharge.

I am new here. I'm waiting on my FID to purchase a shotgun for HD. I'm thinking through how I am actually going to use this. I have several kids at home, so I will keep the shotgun locked in a gun cabinet that is in my bedroom closet. I have a small flashlight and the cabinet key in a safe place that I can grab quickly so I can get to the shotgun quickly. Should I keep the shotgun loaded while it's in the cabinet? This would save precious time when I need to use it. I don't want to be fumbling in the dark trying to load the shotgun while someone is coming up the stairs. OTOH, what if there is an earthquake -- is it even possible for the shotgun to discharge? (Remington 870) Should I keep extra shells in the same cabinet as the shotgun? I don't really understand the recommendation or conventional wisdom for storing ammo separate from the gun. In the future, I will also be getting a handgun, so there are similar questions regarding that. Thanks.

Yes, I voted bright and early this morning.

I just started this process on October 13. In my township (Roxbury) the township personnel send out the reference forms, which are then mailed back directly to the township. Neither of my references said they had to get them notarized. I never see or touch the forms.

I'm new here, and I agree with what you're saying about the prices. Also, it is only indoors, and only nine ports. Having said that, I am joining. I am new. I need to practice. I live in the next town over (Roxbury) and I am more likely to shoot over to this place for a little practice than I am to drive an hour each way to another place. One of my kids swims a lot at the Y, which is nearby. Also, Shongum, which is probably the next closest range, has a huge waiting list. I'll try it for a year at the discounted price. Maybe I should get on the waiting list at Shongum.

With that 1.0 vs. 2.0 culture thing, I'm never sure what "sick" means anymore. "Sick" means something different to my teenage kids than it does to me.

For those of us who are REALLY new, what is it, and why did you decide to get it? For a beginner, the choice of a handgun is a bit overwhelming. Congrats, BTW.

I recently did my application, and I was wondering the same thing. I decided that a brother-in-law is a relative, so I did not use him as a reference, but I would be curious to know the legal definition.

So a Mossberg JIC is legal in NJ?

Does that have the pistol grip? I was looking at those. I thought I read that shotguns with a conspicuous pistol grip were considered to be assault weapons in NJ?

What is RTSP? I am new to firearms

I just applied today for my FID. Unfortunately the soonest fingerprint appointment I can get is 2 weeks away. I am planning on getting a Remington 870 express for home defense -- black bears and intruders. Once I get the paperwork and the gun, where can I practice in NW NJ? I am not too far from the Black River WMA, and I know they have a range. Anywhere else? Also, are there safety classes in this area? I live near Netcong. thanks