With all of the optimism surrounding the outcome of the SAF/ANJRPC/NJ2AS/NJCSD lawsuit, I'm thinking that this would be a good time to put together something about buying a handgun for the first time. If the suit is successful, there's gonna be a mad rush to the gun shops in this state, and a detailed primer on how to research, select and purchase a gun for a first-time buyer seems like a timely and useful thing to have available.

 

So far, I've got the article outlined into these categories:

 

Research

Shopping the stores v. online

Gun shop etiquette

Requirements (as they stand now)

 

There may be others, or these may be broken down further.

 

I'm thinking that the final product is gonna be fairly long, maybe long enough that it has to be broken into 2 parts, but I'm not at that point yet. If anyone has any thoughts, feel free to speak (write) up.

 

If the final article comes out well, maybe Maks can post it on the forum as a stickie.

Gun shop etiquette

 

can we forward this to some shops in north NJ??

my search for 3 handguns did nothing but leave me disappointed & frustrated!

Gun shop etiquette

 

can we forward this to some shops in north NJ??

my search for 3 handguns did nothing but leave me disappointed & frustrated!

 

That's why I ended up buying online. Which by the way is a harrowing experience the first time. It feels illegal!

That's why I ended up buying online. Which by the way is a harrowing experience the first time. It feels illegal!

 

i found Tony @ TJs & Paul PK90.

both guys are GREAT! no BS, etc.

 

they should be the role models for gun dealers!

I'm really thinking of etiquette on the part of the buyer:

 

When the guy behind the counter asks for you FID card, don't take an attitude

When the guy behind the counter hands you gun with the action open and the mag out, don't immediately snap the action shut and point it at him

Ask if it's okay to dry fire the gun, especially a pristine new revolver without any cylinder scrapes

Don't expect the guy at the counter to know every damn thing about every damn gun in the rack, especially the preowned ones.

 

That kind of stuff.

I'm really thinking of etiquette on the part of the buyer:

 

When the guy behind the counter asks for you FID card, don't take an attitude

When the guy behind the counter hands you gun with the action open and the mag out, don't immediately snap the action shut and point it at him

Ask if it's okay to dry fire the gun, especially a pristine new revolver without any cylinder scrapes

Don't expect the guy at the counter to know every damn thing about every damn gun in the rack, especially the preowned ones.

 

That kind of stuff.

 

as a newbie, i was nothing but nice, patient, nervous, etc. just looking for help on a 1st purchase, we're all not veterans to the firearms.

How about a "Pre-purchase Section", i.e. permit process, LEA contact, pitfalls and requirements?

as a newbie, i was nothing but nice, patient, nervous, etc. just looking for help on a 1st purchase, we're all not veterans to the firearms.

 

Nope, we're not. And it should be the responsibility of the seller to see that and deal with you in a more patient way than he would with a repeat customer. But, you have some responsibility, too.

 

You wouldn't walk into a car dealer and just say "I want to buy a car". You would have done some research and would have at least a basic idea of what you're looking for. It isn't much different.

 

You do your part, and they should do their part in helping you narrow down your choices to something that fits you. If you're 4'2"' and are leaning towards a full size Desert Eagle in .50 cal, someone should politely suggest that your choice, while a fine firearm, may not be the gun that you should be walking out with as your first purchase, without you raising a shltstorm about how they're trying to steer you into something you don't want. It's a dialogue, and both parties have a part to play.

 

That's why many of us are trying to reach out to all levels of the shooting community, especially those who are just getting into shooting and gun ownership. There are only very few credible resources for local information, and making people aware of those resources is a huge challenge.

I think its a good idea. You have my approval now, and can start writing whenever you please

I think its a good idea. You have my approval now, and can start writing whenever you please

Cool. All I was waiting for was a go-ahead.

As I purchased my first handgun back in August, feel free to bounce things off of me

This might be considered a Horror Story if it was a book and if we include personal accounts. Great idea for a White Paper / multi-part expose. If you need any assistance, from me personally or my network, don't be shy. If you desire to have any content on Workplace Violence, let me know. I do a lot of analytical writing on the subject matter as well as national security issues.

 

Paul's suggestion about the Pre process is a very solid idea. A good primer before jumping into the game is a solid idea. Just because we might see some possession laws changed, doesn't mean we have a Castle Doctrine in place. The legal ramifications need to be pointed out during this phase. If they aren't scared off, then we move on.

Wojo,

 

Thanks for the offer. If you would like to write something an any relevant subject, feel free.

 

There are things that I can write about, and I can create something readable from information provided, but I'm not an expert on any specific subject, and I don't want the site to turn into my own personal opinion blog. The plan all along was to put in articles submitted from throughout the shooting community and provide useful and pertinent information to anyone who looks for it..

 

There are many experts in many relevant fields and disciplines among us, and I'm happy to provide an outlet for any information, insights, experiences or opinions they care to share with the rest of the shooting community.

 

So, yes, please pick a subject that you're well versed in, and that you feel would be interesting or important to a significant part of the community, and go to town.

 

And again, thanks.

 

Ken

How about Perception vs. The Law vs. Reality

 

Perception given by the media: Guns are easily obtained everywhere.

 

The Law: Ridiculous redundant requirements, antiquated processes and restrictions.

 

Reality: Even though the law says deny within 30 days for residents or approve the process really takes 6-8 months. Oh yea and another $15 fee for yet another background check at the point of sale...

How about the purpose of your first handgun; Primarily for target, home defense, or, hopefully soon to come in N.J, "is it for daily carry?"

If that could be written objectively, without much of the shrillness and rhetoric that comes from the extremes on both sides of the issue, I'd be all for it. The only restriction I have on the site is that any content has to be of interest to the community at large, and many of the 2A issues, while hugely important among us here, aren't always at the top of the list for other facets of the community.

How about a "Pre-purchase Section", i.e. permit process, LEA contact, pitfalls and requirements?

 

 

+1. Where and how to obtain the proper forms, filling them out, and what to expect.

+1. Where and how to obtain the proper forms, filling them out, and what to expect.

 

He already has pdfs of the forms on his site

It's coming along.

 

Thanks for all the input from everyone who got back to me with suggestions and personal observations.

 

This is by far the longest piece I've written for the site, and it's only a little more than half done. I salute anyone who has to write features for a living. I would go nuts.

How about the purpose of your first handgun; Primarily for target, home defense, or, hopefully soon to come in N.J, "is it for daily carry?"

 

Call me a liberal but I don't think your first handgun should be for daily carry.

 

Good idea for an article.

Call me a liberal but I don't think your first handgun should be for daily carry.

 

Good idea for an article.

It's okay. I'm not a liberal, and I agree. The untrained and inexperienced scare me even at the range.

...

Ask if it's okay to dry fire the gun, especially a pristine new revolver without any cylinder scrapes

Don't expect the guy at the counter to know every damn thing about every damn gun in the rack, especially the preowned ones.

 

I think it would be good to know what to look for in a used handgun. The people i know that bought new for their first did it out of ignorance of good vs bad in a used pistol.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions, guys.

 

The article is way too long for me to post here, but it's up at njShoot