This topic is a result of seeing the thread titled "One Permit Left....any ideas?" Do you think that, as an unintended consequence, the system of having to obtain Permits to Purchase (P2P) for each handgun, the state is actually inducing people to purchase, who otherwise may not have done so?

 

Due to the system, we are urged (by peers) to get multiple P2P's to save on the hassle and expense of getting them one at a time as needed (that is, as a desired gun is found). How many times have you seen threads similarly titled to the one referenecd in the first paragraph. Once we have a permit in hand, there is a burning desire to "use it, rather than loose it", regardless of whether we had something specific in mind when we obtained it.

 

While OGAM may have slowed this dynamic a bit, FFL's willing to hold pieces until our next eligibility to purchase rolls around, and the exemption process have mitigated this barrier.

 

So we come back to the original topic: Do you think that in the state's zeal to curtail handgun sales, they are actually inducing people to buy more guns than they would have if there were no barriers to purchasing?

 

Discuss.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

It goes both ways. I think I equally as many people saying "screw buying more handguns its a PITA". Those people also will tend to be less vocal because you arent going to discuss what handgun you wont be getting

The only reason I'm looking at buying a pistol is that I have one permit before it expires...

I agree and believe it does promote handgun purchasing. I wasn't planning to buy more than one initially and thought at the time of ordering the permits at the relatively low cost that I would get two due to the time and hassle of getting the permits in the first place. I have one permit left also and will use it to buy "something" rather than let it expire.

I disagree that it promotes purchasing. I have held off on purchasing more handguns simply because I don't have any more PP's and the process to obtain them is such a hassle (at least for me it is). For those of us who actually know and get multiple permits, then yes - it can push us to buy buy buy... but when you don't have any, it discourages you from purchasing more.

i agree with Glen, it can go both ways, I do know I won't let one expire and go unused but on the other side of the coin I would probably have picked up 3 or 4 more this years if I didn't have to wait.

 

An expiring permit is just as bad as the born on dating on beer these days, oh the pressure.

 

Harry

I also believe they cancel each other out. They are a hassle to get, so I don't actively search for handguns to purchase, unless I see something I really really want. I'll then go and get 2 PP's (why just one as you pointed out Bob). I'll purchase the handgun I want, then yes, I am pressured to find another to use the second permit on. I wouldn't have purchased two handguns, but since I have that extra permit...

 

I suppose I set myself up subconsciously knowing I will not let a permit go to waste.

I don't think it promotes purchasing, and I ESPECIALLY don't think that was the intended purpose. Pistol permits are such a huge pain in the freakin' balls that I don't plan on going back for them for quite some time, and will put my "gun money" towards long guns and ammo.

I don't think so. For every person who gets a permit and buys multiples, are likely several people who are intimidated/daunted by the process and never bother to get a permit or purchase at all. So, in a way, it likely incentivizes a small group of collectors to own a surplus of weapons, but ownership through population is kept low. And at the polls, total number of gun owners counts for something, but the fact that a bunch of guys out there own a dozen pistols doesn't really help the community as a whole.

I would say no, in that they make it very difficult to obtain the permits in the first place. And yes, in that once you have the permits you dont want them to go to waste.

I don't think so. When I lived in other states there are handguns I bought as impulse buys and I'd still be doing it if I NJ didn't require permits. I've seen 3-4 guns in the past few weeks I wanted but unable to do so because I don't have any permits right now.

NJ's pistol purchase scheme is a prime example of "regulation gone wild" that is nothing but an unconstitutional State-imposed deterrence to people being able to exercise their 2A rights. They are making it overly complex and difficult for residents to purchase handguns. The PP system does nothing more than the current NICS/FID system already does at time of purchase. Add in an invasion of privacy by mandating registration as part of the same form.

I dont think it promotes handgun purchasing. I have seen a lot of handguns that I would have gotten on impulse, but knowing that I have to go and apply and wait to get the permits limits even my looking at handguns.

For me, I only put in a request for one permit, until I saw how difficult it was to get. Then I added an additional one and will now buy 2. My Glock 17 is waiting in the gun store and I'm not trying to decide amongst several different 1911's.

Edited April 20, 201115 yr by SJ_EAL

I think we should notify the press that our permit system DOES cause people to buy more handguns, that way the politicians will get rid of it fast.

 

Seriously, I think it will make serious enthusiasts buy more handguns, lest they waste a permit (I know I never let one go to waste). This is offset by the many who want to get into shooting but don't want to deal with NJ's Byzantine regs and don't bother following through.

I think OGAM promotes guys buying guns 3 at a time. I had no desire for a new handgun becuase I didnt want to go thru the process (point in politicans favor) but when my wife got me a handgun, I had to go through and now I made sure I got 3 (1911, 92a1 and still deciding)(point against)

 

It probably does cut down on impulse buys but how many of us have a $700 impulse.