Screwball

I was out with the flu most of last week. Did a few things on Friday, then had to oversee a job on Saturday... which did me in. Feeling a little better, but unsure if I’m working tomorrow (depends on how I feel in the morning). I’ll take some pictures of a few of the wrapped trucks. I think we might still have one of the overheated wrapped hoods, or one that was under pine trees... if it is in the yard. That way, you’ll see good and bad examples. I’m familiar with RVs, but as said... if you are going to keep it a few years, might be worth it. My boss had two, and remember the sides getting scratched up the first time he came up his driveway with it (his smaller on, current is 60’ with dual rear axles). Cutting in vents/windows shouldn’t be too hard. Most of our trucks are either Express vans or Express Cutaways with utility bodies... the bodies with quite a few different angles and multiple side doors. I’ve seen at least one RV at AirGraphix... pulling into Big Splash, I’d be cautious if anything over 28’ long. I think it takes a night just for printing the wrap for our full truck... so I’m guessing it will be a little longer for an RV. Think they get them wrapped within a day. Whatever route you go, stick with whoever you choose. We had AirGraphix do a truck, stopped using them for a period due to the distance to travel to pick them up... and had one of our accounts poke a hole in the side door. New panel, but then had Big Splash redo that panel. Did an ok job, but you can tell the different printing. Companies usually save the file, so if you need to redo a part, they can do it quicker/cheaper.

We’ve been swapping trucks out anywhere between 8 and 5 years old... the older ones were in service for about a year when we switched to wraps (old style lettering). The 2007 to 2009 GM trucks had something wrong with the paint, and we had a few peel off the hood outside of warranty... wrapping the hood was an easy fix. Not going to have an exact color match for white... just from personal experience. They all have warranties, but unsure if there is a difference between commercial and personal use. Have only seen one or two fade, but at least one was after the engine overheated (wrap actually bubbled). If you splash purple primer on it, it will stain... and then hitting it with clear primer will usually cause it to eat away (watched someone do that). If you do something on the front and are an aggressive driver... you’ll see chips, but not as bad as chipped paint. Also, consider where you are parking it. Pine needles are acidic, I know two examples where the wrap was messed up due to that. We did have one from Freehold that was a defective vinyl (was recalled), and actually redid the complete truck over (guy screwed parts of the wrap up in an accident, so worked out well). For the trucks we’ve taken out of service... definitely a lot easier to remove lettering than the individual lettering we used to do, which always left dirt outlines that needed to be removed. Wrap... heat gun, and you’ll be done somewhat quick. And after it was removed, you tend to have the same condition it was when installed. When we take trucks out of service, most of the time it is due to mechanical issues. 5+ years... the wrap will show age, but it isn’t terrible. We have trucks that have been wrapped since 2011, and the vehicle itself is doing worse than the wrap. Worst places... external edges below the door (edge of doorsill, where you feet rub), and places where you have high use (box handles, backside of steps). I’ll be honest, I forget what maintenance recommendations are. My boss got on his waxing the trucks once a year kick, so don’t know if that is ok or not (haven’t seen issues with the trucks that were waxed). We have an employee who washes trucks each Sunday, and tire shines the hell out of them... no problems there. Same place lettered my boss’ personal truck with the company name (not a wrap, but individual lettering; came off the same machine that prints the wrap), and he goes through the car wash WAY TOO MUCH... no peeling.

Two we’ve used... BigSplash in Freehold (Halls Mill Rd, just south of Business Route 33) and AirGraphix in Berkeley (used to be in Bayville, now are by Ocean County Airport). Both owners used to work together, but split a few years back. Big Splash, I just really don’t like the owner (I work for a decently sized plumbing company, and always got the impression he couldn’t care less if he got our business). AirGraphix, a little higher cost... but do feel trucks done there have held up better over time. We are out of Farmingdale, so are a few minutes away from Freehold... maybe 30 from Berkeley. New trucks have been going to AirGraphix for at least the past two years.

Oh well... have fun with the future.

Isn’t that just the online background? Howell did that a few years back.

Just paid Cody for the letter... likely will be here in about four weeks. Will have to see what it says.

Sorry, but I actually disagree completely with the lawyer who wrote that... That is going under the premise that a pistol can go to “firearm” status, without issue. Show me the ATF’s opinion on that... because I’ve never seen it. What I have seen is the letter on the firearms like the TAC-14 and Shockwave. These are firearms that never had a stock installed on them... which is why you can’t make your own from a currently owned shotgun. That creates a SBS... because it is a shotgun (going to not bring up NJ’s laws, because they lump SBRs and SBSs together under one definition). It has been very clear that the receiver never had a stock attached... and for someone not to attach a stock without going for a tax stamp. You actually can toss a stock on a Shockwave without any NFA issue... judging you put an 18” barrel. Can’t go back after the stock is installed... being you technically are creating a SBS at that point (the stock made it a shotgun). If that wasn’t correct, there would be no problem building Shockwaves off the millions of Mossbergs already out there. The one exception, which the ATF does have letters out on, is going from pistol to rifle... as long as said pistol has a 16” barrel installed prior to the stock going on/left on until the stock is removed (and certain exceptions for C&R SBRs, which are still SBRs, but the tax stamp is waved; Lugers with detachable shoulder stocks). It isn’t transforming back to a “firearm,” but going from one type to another. How I read that letter you linked, and a few people I know have interpreted it similarly, you would have to construct the “firearm” from a receiver, much like an AR pistol (which that can be under 26”). That part of the equation is your $1,000,000 question... because like the previous question, I’ve yet to see ATF acknowledge it. It isn’t a pistol because it was designed to be fired with two hands (when Franklin Armory, or whoever builds it... from ATF’s own words). But putting a vertical grip on a Glock makes AOW... Making it clear would be a letter that states a Glock with an overall length of 26” is considered a “firearm,” and that there is no issue putting a vertical grip on it in such a configuration. When I see that, I’ll withdraw my concern. Now, does that defy logic? Absolutely! The entire NFA and GCA are like that. For an 870 to be a SBS if it has a 14” barrel and stock (requiring the background, wait, and tax... not to mention stricter control on transportation), but an identically produced one (14” barrel) to be non-applicable to the NFA because it has a brace... which has been cleared to be shouldered like a stock... is completely idiotic. However... that is the law. Hey, you can listen to a Virginia lawyer about it. That is definitely your prerogative, as well as your right. I prefer to listen to people that have a lot better knowledge of US Code, and considering those previously mentioned points have yet to be explained clearly enough, my view is that 26” exemption does not work on a pistol. It works on a “firearm.” But unless a person is in Virginia when they get jammed up over it for that lawyer to fight it (no guarantee he will win, either)... I’ll air on the side of caution.

Saw this during the conversation, and being I just watched a video that made mention to it... was going to follow up for everyone to make their own decision. Just was watching this, and Tim got into the differences between it and AR pistols. Mentioned being able to put a vertical grip on a “firearm” without issue. Same reason why they are ok on TAC-14s, yet people argued it made an AOW (incorrect, as it isn’t a pistol). He then mentioned that people argue that you can do the same with a pistol over 26”. At around the 6:00 mark, he speaks of this... ATF has issued conflicting letters on this subject. That means it hasn’t been established which is correct, and if it comes to question, might become a test subject for it. Might not be a huge point for NJ shooters, but rather have both sides clearly put out. When I go up to Maine, I likely will be following a similar practice to Tim, and not put a foregrip on a pistol of any overall length... for the same reasons, not wanting to screw up my career by being sent to Federal prison.

Yea, Buffalo Bore is some good stuff... I was actually debating about getting some of their .45 AutoRim, but said the hell with it and will stick with ACP/moon clips. Of course, if you jump on their website to look at one/two loads... you go through the entire list. Their 9mm 147 grain +P+ really interests me. Yea it costs some money, but I’d love to see what it does out of a CZ Scorpion or MP5 pistol. And definitely like their 220 grain 10mm...

Be careful with TSA approved... especially locks. If it has the TSA key opening, TSA has access to your gun. It may be fine for your regular luggage, but you don’t want some of the guys working for TSA to have that access. It is actually policy to not have those locks securing your firearm... ok for the luggage your gun is in, though And I also saw a Magpul video with Chris Costa, where he made a point to show a single lock might not be the best bet. Long gun cases have multiple lock points... use them all. If you pry one side of certain cases, you might not directly be able to easily pull the gun out... but you’ll have a great spot to put something longer in to gain some leverage. I’ll make sure to emphasize that while TSA is a Federal agency... I wouldn’t consider them the most trustworthy with luggage. Having a firearm, don’t give them the opportunity to prove how low they can go.

It’s been a little while since I looked it up, but I’m 99% sure you should be the only one with access to the firearm. No TSA locks, and to be honest, I’d do a key lock with one key in your possession at all times. If they want to open it, you go with them and open it. Never give the key to someone else for them to look into it. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/trigger-words-w-ryan-cleckner/id1299836235?mt=2&i=1000419712024 I’d take a listen to this podcast episode, as the host is a Federal firearms attorney. He isn’t giving legal advice, but he does a great job explaining what is “right” and why.

Thanks. Applied for a letter about it from Cody, but no records of the 62. I think it is a 1890 serial number, but unsure if I want to try that model number. Might resubmit with a little extra info and see if they got anything.

I actually do want to see where this leads in court... Have to consider that under Obama, this was widely supported by those who are denying Trump now. Get the right judge, and you might see Congress obstructing a cause for the national emergency. While I am not going to say whether or not it was the correct method, blatantly changing views because you want to go against an elected official is wrong. If the judicial system is going to be the check/balance, so be it. However, I feel the legislature is the underlying cause of this, just like the original shutdown. Persons like Pelosi and Schumer have got too comfortable in there positions... and this is the result.

Might be there... depending on when I’m meeting with the realtor in Maine. Should work out.

For what I read about it... don’t think that two tone is going to hold up that well.

I actually had a very nicely written reply... and it didn’t save. Thank you mobile site. Whatever day/time you give... they call you then, and ask what works for you. Usually gives you at least a week heads up, so not random at all (read further about this). Random... as in coming over out of the blue... that means they likely have a warrant because there is reason to believe a crime is being committed. They cannot demand you to be there at X day, since it is not a business, and you have a life. Like I said, I specifically asked about FLETC... and if they confirm I’m telling the truth, what are they going to do? I’d hope they bust down the door and try to get into my safe... lawsuit would set me up pretty well for Maine. There are about 375 business FFLs within NJ, and exactly 115 FFL-03s. With staffing and resources, the Investigator I spoke with said they do your interview... and then meet with you every other renewal (six years; if I misunderstood, which I doubt because of how clear she was, you renew every three years). Mainly done to make sure everything is good, and to confirm you aren’t doing things wrong. She said that she had seen people acquire M1 Carbines on follow ups. Due to the low number of C&Rs, and demands based on a limited staff... that likely was the best course of action for them to take. To put this in further perspective, go on any forum that discusses C&Rs (not just NJ). Do you hear about C&R audits that much? There are about 133,000 FFLs in the entire US... about 55,000 are FFL-01s. FFL-03s... about 53,000. And these are covered by an agency with somewhere between 2,000 and 2,500 Investigators (and I’m going off rough numbers, not figuring other roles that they handle; probably on the lower end of that range, as I didn’t factor in support personnel in my estimate). Point being, audits suck in any situation; taxes, labor, or firearms. Paul from NJ Arms told me about his audit (wasn’t bad, but was a few days of not normal operation). I also remember the ordeal with HGW’s audit (I was called by HGW to write a letter that I received a gun that wasn’t recorded out of their gunsmith book... had no issue doing it, just they didn’t realize that they actually still had it). But people make it sound like getting a C&R is going to result in the ATF coming in like the start of the siege at Waco. Keep your A&D book squared away, don’t do illegal crap (like buy a M1 Carbine on a C&R based in NJ), and you’ll be fine. FFL numbers above were from 12/2018, per ATF statistics.

Witnesses reporting a pistol with laser sight being used by the gunman...

C&R... far from random. When you apply, you give times/days you are available. If they were going to come to audit, they set it up based off your times. For them to randomly come, they have a warrant because they have reason to believe a crime is being committed. Shy of that, they will set it up at a time that works with you. I talked to the ATF investigator when I was going for mine, and said that I would be going to FLETC... before I knew exactly when. Asked what happens if they called while I’m away. She said life happens, and they would likely check to make sure I am actually down there, but then figure it out from there. That being said, the ATF isn’t just out to jam you up. In regards to C&Rs, they want you to follow the law. Not scary people to ask a question from... there was a YouTube video on Forgotten Weapons that mentioned finding a machine gun. If you watch that video, I can agree with the entire view on them (obviously, if you start asking about a machine gun... they aren’t going to just forget your inquiry; need to follow it up... but not looking to jam you up). They aren’t stupid either... if you are trying to get over on them, not going to be a fun experience.

With the exception of FFL-03, unless you are planning to run a business... don’t get an FFL. You can use it for your personal collection... just not solely for that purpose.

Chassis... they already standardized the barrels, so likely the next logical step.

Like this?

Looks more NP3... The Marine[r] versions... prefer the Remingtons over Mossberg. None are stainless, though.

Out of state... two at Oaks (same guy), and a private sale, which was also in PA. Can’t buy non-C&R firearms with that license (C&R does include some collectible firearms, made within the 50 year limit; just off the top of my head, those WWI 1911s that Colt did, with gold writing and crap on it). Pistol permits are required if I buy within NJ... C&R or not. I don’t know how a C&R pistol transfer would go down from a FFL-01 within NJ, but a permit is clearly needed. I always wanted to get a cheap C&R long gun over to Monmouth Arms, as Steve said he would check with the NJSP on how it would go down... but just never got ambitious enough to look for something. Pistol wise, I’m too close from leaving to even get a permit back to attempt it.

You talking long guns or pistols? Big difference... Long guns, good to go. Pistols... Federally, creating an AOW without the stamp.

Yea, moving is best. Friends or family, better... but have to make sure the state doesn’t change laws. To be completely honest, if I could do it all over again... I’d have picked up my C&R years ago. Not everyone is into older guns, but as long as they are NJ legal, no pistol permits unless you buy within NJ (C&R or not). I only have two qualified handguns that I bought normally... but I likely would have bought A LOT more. Older Colts, S&Ws, Soviet designs, Brownings, FNs... list goes on. Picked up three with my license, and likely a fourth before I leave in April. Going with a FFL-01 is definitely doable... but I personally wouldn’t want to deal with a business. Maybe with the change in career/residence... but dealing with customers with my current job, I rather not have to deal with that one jerk-off who is bound to walk through my door.