Earlier today I met with Jack at the Ewing PD to hand in my application for a FID card and three handgun purchase permits. I must say that the experience was pleasant and positive. Jack is a great guy and he is apparently retired but works part time to handle the processing of firearms permits.

 

I had the maximum number of permits requested (three) and he explained because of the 30 day waiting period, chances are I would not be able to actually purchase three handguns unless I had everything perfectly choreographed to buy my first gun the day they are issued and subsequent guns every 30 days thereafter. I explained that I did not really intend to purchase three guns, but put in the maximum "just because" I read on the intarwebs that you might as well even if you don't use them all. He chuckled and said, no problem.

 

So I go to schedule an appointment with Safran Morphotrak to get my fingerprinting done and they are booked for two weeks!! At least they have an office right here in Ewing. I'm not in any hurry, so it is what it is I suppose.

 

So while I wait for the fingerprinting and background checks, I can stew on what guns I would like to purchase.

 

I am looking to get a small caliber pistol for target practice and plinking around. I've used a buddies Ruger MKII years ago, so a MKIII makes sense - but the choices are confusing. They go from basic models with polymer frames to rather expensive all stainless models. I'd prefer to buy something that's all metal, as I view a firearm as something that should last generations. But at the same time, inexpensive and reliable fun works for me too. So maybe polymer isn't so bad....

 

Along with the .22, I would like what I consider a "medium" sized gun for target shooting/home protection. The Ruger SR9 or P95 fits the bill although some of my friends scoff at a 9mm for home protection because of the "lack of stopping power". (I think it is plenty) Once again, these are polymer framed guns, but the 9mm will not see a fraction of the use the .22 will. Enough usage to be thoroughly familiar with the weapon, but I'm not rich enough to pop off 9mm rounds for fun. I guess the polymer frame is the trade off for a more affordable price.

 

I've handled both the Ruger P85 and a Ruger MKII, and am familiar with the feel of these guns, so that's why I'm looking at the updated models. If anyone has any suggestions for similar types of guns, please chime in. I've got about $1,000 to spend on the two. (minus hearing protection and safety glasses)

 

Any suggestions?

 

Thanks! (sorry for the newbie q's y'all have seen a million times)

 

TCinJ

Go to a gun shop that has lots of different models. If you have big hands, I would say try the Glocks, Beretta 92FS and Sig double stacks. If you have smaller hands (or even big hands with short fingers like me), you could try CZ 75 or P01, Smith and Wesson M&P, Beretta Px4, etc. There is too much out there to just buy something without having sampled a bunch.

The Ruger P series are fine, reliable guns, but they have the ergonomics of a brick. Make sure you get a chance to do some side by side comparisons. I know Shore Shot Pistol Range in Lakewood has a good selection. And they have a Ruger P series gun on the wall to rent, along with a bunch of the other guns I mentioned.

Redo your math. 90 days is plenty of time to use 3 permits. Not sure what you/Jack mean by a 30 day waiting period. If you buy a handgun on day 1, you wait 35 days to buy gun 2, and then buy gun 3 another 35 days from gun 2 you are at day 71. Easy to use all three permits.

 

People always scoff at 9mm.

 

One warning, the more time you have to research, the more confusing you will get.

First there is no Max to the number of permits you can get at a time. Realalistically you can get 3 without extention. 6 with extention. Or sky is the limit if you file for exemption from OGAM.

 

A lot of planning is not needed for 3.

Example get permits 1/10, buy first gun 1/15, buy second 2/20, buy third 3/25. Total time 75 days out of ninety. Plenty of wiggle room.

 

The MKIII come in essentially 2 flavors, regular and 22/45. These are different by grip angle and controls. All the different barrel types, lengths and materials are just preferences.

 

As to a larger caliber try out a bunch and see what you like.

Redo your math. 90 days is plenty of time to use 3 permits. Not sure what you/Jack mean by a 30 day waiting period. If you buy a handgun on day 1, you wait 35 days to buy gun 2, and then buy gun 3 another 35 days from gun 2 you are at day 71. Easy to use all three permits.

 

People always scoff at 9mm.

 

One warning, the more time you have to research, the more confusing you will get.

 

Well, that's what the gun guru told me. I didn't actually run the numbers through my head as I'm only planning on two purchases, so I've got plenty of time.

 

As far as scoffing at 9mm, I sure as hell wouldn't want to be looking at the business end of a 9mm anything! (or even a .22!)

 

And yes, I agree - the more time you have to stew over something the more you want to buy!

First there is no Max to the number of permits you can get at a time. Realalistically you can get 3 without extention. 6 with extention. Or sky is the limit if you file for exemption from OGAM.

 

A lot of planning is not needed for 3.

Example get permits 1/10, buy first gun 1/15, buy second 2/20, buy third 3/25. Total time 75 days out of ninety. Plenty of wiggle room.

 

The MKIII come in essentially 2 flavors, regular and 22/45. These are different by grip angle and controls. All the different barrel types, lengths and materials are just preferences.

 

As to a larger caliber try out a bunch and see what you like.

 

I dunno man, the forms for Ewing stated three as the maximum number I can request. I can scan the page and post it. I'm a newbie and do what I'm told by the authorities and don't question what they say.

 

The 22/45 model 10107 is what I was looking at, as this looks pretty much like the MKII I was borrowing from my friend a while back.

 

I've also used his Sig P220 .45 and I liked it. This is something I would like down the road for sure. He had a Desert Eagle .50 that I shot twice and that was enough for me. (yikes!)

Well, that's what the gun guru told me. I didn't actually run the numbers through my head as I'm only planning on two purchases, so I've got plenty of time.

 

As far as scoffing at 9mm, I sure as hell wouldn't want to be looking at the business end of a 9mm anything! (or even a .22!)

 

And yes, I agree - the more time you have to stew over something the more you want to buy!

 

I'm not scoffing. People will tell you it's a pea shooter or tell you that it will leave your house and go through your neighbor's house, too.

 

I have both 9mm and .45. The .45 is a lot bigger and I like shooting it but the ammo is a lot more expensive than 9mm. The modern polymer guns are very nice but not so classy.

I dunno man, the forms for Ewing stated three as the maximum number I can request. I can scan the page and post it. I'm a newbie and do what I'm told by the authorities and don't question what they say.

 

Here's the link to the letter from the NJSP saying that the # of PP can't be limited http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php?/topic/19258-njsp-letter-to-chiefs-proving-ppps-cannot-be-limited/page__pid__362100#entry362100

Here's the link to the letter from the NJSP saying that the # of PP can't be limited http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php?/topic/19258-njsp-letter-to-chiefs-proving-ppps-cannot-be-limited/page__pid__362100#entry362100

 

My township used to be a limit of 1 but they've changed to unlimited.

I dunno man, the forms for Ewing stated three as the maximum number I can request. I can scan the page and post it. I'm a newbie and do what I'm told by the authorities and don't question what they say.

 

Please Scan and Post. We all want to see it.

Here's the link to the letter from the NJSP saying that the # of PP can't be limited http://njgunforums.com/forum/index.php?/topic/19258-njsp-letter-to-chiefs-proving-ppps-cannot-be-limited/page__pid__362100#entry362100

 

 

Thanks for the link. It looks as if Ewing isn't aware. I went through the trouble to scan the page, but it is too large to upload. The maximum upload size is 500K and the document is 1,100K. Oh well, you'll just have to trust me. Or someone PM me an email I can send to. (because I'm new and nobody trusts the new guy - lol)

 

Jack also said that I would have to have a "good reason" for requesting an extension. (whatever that means)

 

But like I said, he was a great guy and very pleasant to deal with.

Here you go guys.

 

I adjusted the scan setting for a smaller file size. Note the limit of three purchase permits per application.

Ewing Form.pdf

Here you go guys.

 

I adjusted the scan setting for a smaller file size. Note the limit of three purchase permits per application.

 

What is a biographical form?

What is a biographical form?

 

Biographical form was where you lived/worked for the last 10 years.

 

They also had a domestic violence form that needed to be notarized. (what a PITA)

Wow. Ewing is terrible.

Ewing is going to get a letter.

Yeah, they are in the wrong. And I will throw my vote in for a pre-loved HK

Earlier today I met with Jack at the Ewing PD to hand in my application for a FID card and three handgun purchase permits. I must say that the experience was pleasant and positive. Jack is a great guy and he is apparently retired but works part time to handle the processing of firearms permits.

 

I had the maximum number of permits requested (three) and he explained because of the 30 day waiting period, chances are I would not be able to actually purchase three handguns unless I had everything perfectly choreographed to buy my first gun the day they are issued and subsequent guns every 30 days thereafter. I explained that I did not really intend to purchase three guns, but put in the maximum "just because" I read on the intarwebs that you might as well even if you don't use them all. He chuckled and said, no problem.

 

So I go to schedule an appointment with Safran Morphotrak to get my fingerprinting done and they are booked for two weeks!! At least they have an office right here in Ewing. I'm not in any hurry, so it is what it is I suppose.

 

So while I wait for the fingerprinting and background checks, I can stew on what guns I would like to purchase.

 

I am looking to get a small caliber pistol for target practice and plinking around. I've used a buddies Ruger MKII years ago, so a MKIII makes sense - but the choices are confusing. They go from basic models with polymer frames to rather expensive all stainless models. I'd prefer to buy something that's all metal, as I view a firearm as something that should last generations. But at the same time, inexpensive and reliable fun works for me too. So maybe polymer isn't so bad....

 

Along with the .22, I would like what I consider a "medium" sized gun for target shooting/home protection. The Ruger SR9 or P95 fits the bill although some of my friends scoff at a 9mm for home protection because of the "lack of stopping power". (I think it is plenty) Once again, these are polymer framed guns, but the 9mm will not see a fraction of the use the .22 will. Enough usage to be thoroughly familiar with the weapon, but I'm not rich enough to pop off 9mm rounds for fun. I guess the polymer frame is the trade off for a more affordable price.

 

I've handled both the Ruger P85 and a Ruger MKII, and am familiar with the feel of these guns, so that's why I'm looking at the updated models. If anyone has any suggestions for similar types of guns, please chime in. I've got about $1,000 to spend on the two. (minus hearing protection and safety glasses)

 

Any suggestions?

 

Thanks! (sorry for the newbie q's y'all have seen a million times)

 

TCinJ

 

 

I was recently in a similar situation, new FID, 3 PPs, and have now just bought my third pistol :-). Rather than get a dedicated .22 I instead went with a Sig P226 in 9mm and bought a .22 conversion kit on the basis that I only use up one permit and I get to practice trigger control on the same Sig using .22 which is also the gun I will use for competitions.

 

I had also considered going for the Sig P250 as for a single pistol permit you get a modular firearm that can be full size, compact, sub compact, 9mm, .40 and .45. However in the end I decided to not take the P250 route as there were other firearms which I preferred for my initial 3 permits.

 

I've shot the GSG .22 1911 a few times and can recommend it if you are looking at .22 options, otherwise consider the conversion kit.

 

hth

 

TheWombat

Hey guys - thanks for the gun suggestions. I'm glad that I was able to shrink and post that form so y'all wouldn't think I was making this chit up. It is a pain, but I don't mind the extra paperwork as long as I get service with a smile and it doesn't take forever.

 

For now - the hold up is the fingerprinting company. (two weeks wait for an appt.) As soon as that is done, the clock starts on the Ewing PD. Jack actually suggested me giving him a call if I don't hear anything from him four weeks after being printed.

 

So for now - Ewing is great as far as I'm concerned

 

 

Maybe the confusion with the 3 guns in 90 days is because I intend to buy via mail order. Maybe that's what he meant about probably not being able to use all three. I would imaging that if I wanted to, I could buy all three guns at once online, then have them all shipped and waiting for me at the FFL dealer to be picked up as my waiting periods are over. But in any case, this is what he told me and he was very nice and didn't seem like the type of guy that would deliberately misinform anyone.

 

I was recently in a similar situation, new FID, 3 PPs, and have now just bought my third pistol :-). Rather than get a dedicated .22 I instead went with a Sig P226 in 9mm and bought a .22 conversion kit on the basis that I only use up one permit and I get to practice trigger control on the same Sig using .22 which is also the gun I will use for competitions.

 

I had also considered going for the Sig P250 as for a single pistol permit you get a modular firearm that can be full size, compact, sub compact, 9mm, .40 and .45. However in the end I decided to not take the P250 route as there were other firearms which I preferred for my initial 3 permits.

 

I've shot the GSG .22 1911 a few times and can recommend it if you are looking at .22 options, otherwise consider the conversion kit.

 

hth

 

TheWombat

 

A saw the all metal Sig P226 and available conversion kit. Great concept. I just may scrape up enough to buy two P226's one .22 and one 9mm. This way, I'll have two weapons to take to the range and a guest can use one while I use the other. Thanks for the feedback!

v

For now - the hold up is the fingerprinting company. (two weeks wait for an appt.) As soon as that is done, the clock starts on the Ewing PD. Jack actually suggested me giving him a call if I don't hear anything from him four weeks after being printed.

 

 

 

When does the clock actually start -- when you submit the application, or when the last piece of required information is provided? I assumed that it takes 30 days (max) to allow for the time required to get all the various pieces of information. If they start the clock when they get the last form they need, then police departments can drag this out forever

When does the clock actually start -- when you submit the application, or when the last piece of required information is provided? I assumed that it takes 30 days (max) to allow for the time required to get all the various pieces of information. If they start the clock when they get the last form they need, then police departments can drag this out forever

 

There is no clock. While the law says 30 days and the finger printing results can take as little as one day the police are under no real time constraint to meet the 30 day window. Some departments do drag things out. I understand Ewing is not one of them.

9mm is plenty of power if your only target shooting and very comfortable to shoot idk why people laugh at 9mm's its 115gr or more moving at around 1200 fps ill let any one that says 9mm's are pea shooters take my 9mm and shoot themselves in the foot than tell me what they think lol our military uses them so i think they are just fine

9mm is plenty of power if your only target shooting and very comfortable to shoot idk why people laugh at 9mm's its 115gr or more moving at around 1200 fps ill let any one that says 9mm's are pea shooters take my 9mm and shoot themselves in the foot than tell me what they think lol our military uses them so i think they are just fine

pick up some 147gr or at least 124gr hollow points... I shoot 115gr as cheap range ammo.

For your first gun, I would suggest that you consider getting the defensive handgun that is either a 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP. I assume that you don't have that much experience with larger calibers, and therefore, I would opt for a decent 9mm. The recoil of the 9mm will be more manageable than the larger calibers and it will be cheaper to shoot with ammo costs. Additionally, no matter what you wind up eventually with as your main defensive gun, in my opinion, a 9mm, just as a .357, and of course a .22 are all main staples in any reasonable collection/versatile battery and that could be supplemented with either a .45 ACP. My suggestion would be to look into one of the following four: Glock, M&P, SIG Sauer, XD. If you are set on a Ruger, instead, I would recommend that you get a 2011 version of the Ruger SR9 over the P95 or the other P varieties. I would certainly checkout one of these models, and MY first choice, though not pretty, would be the versatile Glock 19. I would look for a used generation 3 in great condition.

 

Some strategies you might consider are in getting a Glock 23 and a Glock 19 conversion barrel that would allow you to shoot (.40 S&W and 9mm), and it would probably be beneficial to get a used one. You should be able to find one for about $400 used and then get the conversion barrel and a couple of Korean magazines for about an additional $125 or thereabouts. Glocks hold their value very well and you would not lose much if you bought and then sold one. Or, you could get the M&P and then consider getting the M&P .22LR version after that when it is time go use the second permit. You would have a dedicated defensive gun and a handy .22 trainer, to say the least.

 

Just read up on and examine any and all guns that might lead you to get one.

 

If you know what you want definitively, spend the money and get EXACTLY what you will want when buying new. Only real budget concerns should force you to make concessions when buying new. For example, if you want a CZ75B stainless, then don't settle for blued version. However, I would alternatively suggest that you buy your first gun as a quality USED piece which may negate some of the possible options that you had wanted, If you get it at the right used price, you would lose very little on its resale if you realize that it isn't quite the one for you and if you sell it off at a later date.

 

The next thing I would consider buying would be a quality .22 handgun. As with the M&P, you might find one that is similar to your main defensive gun, or you might opt for a conversion slide, such as the Advantage Arms one for the Glock. I would not recommend this, though, as the money that you would spend would be almost enough for a dedicated .22LR. After careful consideration, I would get that .22LR in a stainless version (as it will most likely be the gun that you fire the most), and I would strongly consider a double-action revolver. A quality revolver will help to teach you better trigger control, etc. and help you to shoot better.

I had the maximum number of permits requested (three) and he explained because of the 30 day waiting period, chances are I would not be able to actually purchase three handguns unless I had everything perfectly choreographed to buy my first gun the day they are issued and subsequent guns every 30 days thereafter.

I have dealt with Jack before, and he is a great guy.....but it seems his math skills are deteriorating in his old age. Day 1, permits are issued, and you purchase your first handgun. Wait 30 days, and on day 31 you purchase your second handgun. Wait 30 days, and on day 62 you purchase your third handgun. You still have 28 days before the permits would have expired.

For your first gun, I would suggest that you consider getting the defensive handgun that is either a 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP. I assume that you don't have that much experience with larger calibers, and therefore, I would opt for a decent 9mm................................

 

Patriot Oak - thank you for your reply! A 9mm and a .22 are definitely in my future. Choosing them is the fun part.

 

I view guns like I view motorcycles. I tell people new to cycling to:

 

1: Don't count on your first bike to be around more than a year or two before you want to get something else.

 

2: Buy used because of above.

 

3: Start out with a smaller motorcycle. Not only are they easy to handle for a beginning rider, they are cheap fun and you might just keep it around because of that.

 

I'm probably going to stop over at Harry's Army/Navy and check out a few in person. (if they let me hold them without a FID card.)

 

 

 

I have dealt with Jack before, and he is a great guy.....but it seems his math skills are deteriorating in his old age. Day 1, permits are issued, and you purchase your first handgun. Wait 30 days, and on day 31 you purchase your second handgun. Wait 30 days, and on day 62 you purchase your third handgun. You still have 28 days before the permits would have expired.

 

I think I had mentioned I was shopping online, so maybe that's what he meant by probably not being able to use all three permits within 90 days. Would it be possible to order three firearms online, then have the FFL have them in his possession ready for pickup as the 30 days elapse? Maybe online dealers will not ship without a FID number. I applied for P2P and FID, although I'm not sure you need a P2P AND a FID to purchase. It should be the P2P is enough, even though someone without a FID would not be able to purchase ammo for it.........

 

In any case, regardless of the fuzzy math, it was probably the first time I had a conversation with an on duty LEO and wasn't issued a traffic citation.

Patriot Oak - thank you for your reply! A 9mm and a .22 are definitely in my future. Choosing them is the fun part.

 

 

 

I'm probably going to stop over at Harry's Army/Navy and check out a few in person. (if they let me hold them without a FID card.)

 

 

 

 

 

I think I had mentioned I was shopping online, so maybe that's what he meant by probably not being able to use all three permits within 90 days. Would it be possible to order three firearms online, then have the FFL have them in his possession ready for pickup as the 30 days elapse? Maybe online dealers will not ship without a FID number. I applied for P2P and FID, although I'm not sure you need a P2P AND a FID to purchase. It should be the P2P is enough, even though someone without a FID would not be able to purchase ammo for it.........

 

 

 

Cheyenne, the new name of Harry's gun store, will let you hold guns without FID. The young kid is the best one there to show you stuff. P2P is enough but they wanted my FID when I bought a HG there. I asked the guy why he wanted my FID and he said it was required. I thought it was, too, a month or two ago but the kind folks on here set me straight.

 

It is legal to ship all 3 guns to an FFL and then you take possession at 30 day intervals. It is up to the FFL to work with you on that. Why are you so set to buy online? The price differential is not as much as you think. Transfer fees are like $40 if you buy online but included in the price at the local gun store.

I had the maximum number of permits requested (three) and he explained because of the 30 day waiting period, chances are I would not be able to actually purchase three handguns unless I had everything perfectly choreographed to buy my first gun the day they are issued and subsequent guns every 30 days thereafter. I explained that I did not really intend to purchase three guns, but put in the maximum "just because" I read on the intarwebs that you might as well even if you don't use them all. He chuckled and said, no problem.

 

 

You can use 6 permits in the 180 days, 90 days plus extension and if you time it right you will have purchased your 6th handgun and had 23 days left to play with.

 

Like many here say, get 6 every 6 months..

 

Maybe the confusion with the 3 guns in 90 days is because I intend to buy via mail order. Maybe that's what he meant about probably not being able to use all three. I would imaging that if I wanted to, I could buy all three guns at once online, then have them all shipped and waiting for me at the FFL dealer to be picked up as my waiting periods are over. But in any case, this is what he told me and he was very nice and didn't seem like the type of guy that would deliberately misinform anyone.

 

 

You might want to check out the local shops here in NJ, there is a price checker on the forum that you can use.

 

Remember look at your out the door price, that would be:

 

Local purchase (Gun Price, Tax, NICS)

 

On-line purchase (Gun Price, Tax (Maybe) Shipping, local transfer at FFL (can vary low just about 40 bucks to some crazy prices up to 100 bucks, don't forget you still have to pay NICS.

 

Local purchase could be a lot lower.

Last time I was at Harry's A/N they had just moved to the strip mall from their old location (over a year ago?) They had divided the gun shop and probably had the new name Cheyenne - but it didn't stick with me.

 

In any case, I'm not bent on buying mail order. It's just convenient shopping around online and comparing the different models. There's a FFL here in Trenton (Leroy Stout) that advertises $40 transfers. (NICS included)

 

From the prices I saw at Cheyenne last year, it would be worthwhile to mail order. But it looks like I can get hooked up with a good deal from another source.

 

I've got some time to decide and put away some more cash if necessary. I'm in no rush, but once I get the paperwork the clock starts ticking.

 

Thanks again for all the responses! Plenty more n00b questions to come......