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Interesting stuff, High Exposure. Soft points seem to be the ticket with regard to limiting the risk of over-penetration. Makes sense, though.

Hey like I said, I definitely would prefer to not be hit by a .223 projectile. My day would be ruined! That said, it's not my first choice for self defense. 00 buck and .308 are my go-to's for protecting life and limb. Honorable mention for my old warhorse Nazi-smasher, but I don't ever foresee myself using the M1 for self defense. It's likely someone did, though. Back on topic, some posters suggested picking up a 1-4x scope. I think that's a great idea. Best of both worlds.

These are all good points.

I'm more or less referring to anecdotal evidence from guys who have served in combat with the 5.56 cartridge over the past 50 years or so. There seems to be no shortage of stories about enemy combatants not being reduced by the 5.56, either because the round loses enough energy past a couple hundred yards or so such that it fails to fragment upon impact, or because the round was moving too quickly to yaw upon impact and it simply passed through its target cutting a clean little .22 caliber hole with Charlie still on his feet and combat effective. There seems to be a sweet spot for the 5.56 round, where it has lost enough velocity to yaw, but hasn't lost enough energy to be ineffective. I've read it's somewhere between 100-300 yards where that round is pretty reliably devastating. Again, this is just based upon what I've read from guys who actually used these rifles on a two-way range. Also, I didn't mean to make this a cartridge debate, so I apologize if it comes across that way. At the end of the day, I don't want to be hit by a 5.56 at any range. However, I'd much rather be hit by a 5.56 than a .308 or a 30-06. As per my signature, I own an M4 clone, and it's a cool little rifle. Very accurate in still weather. From a ballistics standpoint, I'd never rely on it to defend myself unless it was the only rifle within reach. But as a kind of "do all" rifle, if you were to only ever buy or build one rifle, an AR15 in 5.56 is a damned solid choice.

If you're going to be using the rifle inside of 100 yards, I'd go with an Aimpoint red dot optic. I have one on my M4 clone, and it's superb. If you want to reach out, go with a low power scope, probably 4x32 or something to that effect. Ultimately, an AR15 with a 16" barrel isn't a great rifle for reaching out beyond 200 yards or so. That little squirrel cartridge loses its punch fairly quickly down range, and it's also fairly susceptible to the breeze. On the other hand, at 7 yards, the round will more than likely over-penetrate, go through the sheetrock, and hit granny in the next room...bad news. But, to each his own. If your intent is to use the rifle inside of a football field, go with an Aimpoint. I would not drop the bucks on a quality magnified optic unless you plan on getting the rifle outside on a regular basis and firing beyond 100 yards. Also, be wary of quality. In other words, don't expect a $60 optic to be there for you when you need it to function. You can't go wrong with Aimpoint, Trijicon, or Leupold.

Where is this show? Is there a website? First I've heard of it, and it would be neat to check it out.

I put in my application for a New Hampshire non-resident CCW license this week. Trying to hedge against the potential for a huge spike in demand if the current administration manages to pass a reciprocity law that will actually benefit NJ residents. Rest assured, the state would most likely find a way to counteract such a bill, probably by passing a bill that switches the state from "may issue" to "no issue", thus circumventing the verbiage of the federal reciprocity bill. It's a complicated issue. The federal bill will need to be worded very precisely, and it will need to address issues surrounding states' rights. Many lawsuits will occur. It will be a process, not a "light switch" move. Hairy stuff indeed, glad I'm not an attorney!

Good for you, dude. I know your pain. When I was in school, I was taking 16-20 credits a semester (all on campus), while working 40 hours a week, and commuting. Just keep your head down and get it done. Fight tooth and nail to keep your GPA as high as possible. And most importantly, don't get sucked into the bullshit of college (partying and jerking around). Be a machine, and it will pay huge dividends.

Much appreciated, fellas!

The 686 is a great gun, and the .357 magnum is a respectable cartridge. Just wait until you graduate to a .44 magnum. That's when the real fun starts!

I bought nothing this weekend or on Black Friday. I'm setting cheese aside for a Dan Wesson Silverback in .45ACP (my first 1911) I'll be ordering once my permits come in. At a cool $1500 (the absolute lowest price I've seen online), all other purchases can wait, haha.

The best Trump/Congress can do is pass a reciprocity bill, which would be great. However, there are potential 10th Amendment issues with regard to that, in addition to overturning other state gun laws. What's really required to change things in NJ is a gun-friendly SCOTUS, and a series of lawsuits won against the State of NJ. All that said, Trump and a GOP-controlled Congress are the best case scenario for NJ shooters. So, there's at least some reason to be optimistic...just don't hold your breath.

Welcome Curt. I used to work down your way (Somers Point). I'm currently working in Hell on Earth (Pleasantville). njqbn45 is correct here. The FID wait time is more lengthy than applying for a handgun permit once you've already got your FID. That said, it really depends on the municipality, inflow of applications, personnel, system changes, etc. I've heard of people getting their permits inside of a month, and others who have waited many months. Just keep on them about it. Eventually they'll get tired of hearing from you, and they'll sign your documents.

That's a sweet shotgun. Jealous!

S&W Model 642, in .38 Special. Or, any of the Ruger .22LR target pistols, although .22LR is finicky enough such that she'd regularly have to deal with clearing malfunctions, which isn't exactly beginner-level stuff.

I've always been a .45ACP guy. It's a great balance between recoil, penetration, and cost (especially if you roll your own). You can't really go wrong with slow, heavy projectiles punching exceptionally large holes in things down range. Take a look at Civil War photos of .58 caliber minie ball wounds ...

I have the NJ-compliant Windham Weaponry MPC, and it's a great little rifle. Much nicer than the few M&P's I've handled. Windham is the "old", original Bushmaster, before they were sold to the Freedom Group. Wonderful people from Maine. Their customer service is just outstanding.

Hi folks, New to the board. Originally from Hackensack, but have lived in various places across the state, in addition to Baltimore, MD and Arlington, VA. Currently in Ocean County, planning on relocating to Caldwell within the next month or so. Things I'm nerdy about: finance, economics, compliance, law, history, camping, bushcraft, firearms (duh) Currently waiting in handgun permit hell as I salivate in anticipation of picking up my first 1911, which will be a Dan Wesson Silverback in .45ACP. Actually, my township has always been very quick with permits, so I'm lucky in that regard. Thank you for having me! "My fellow nerds and I will retire to the nerdery with our calculators."