According to this, New Jersey had a Constitutional Convention in 1947 and did NOT include in the right to keep and bear arms. Is this the basis for all the problems?

 

http://conservativen...d-in-new-jersey

 

 

IMHO, it's one of the main problems. We basically have no constitutional protections to point to and say: "Oh, no you don't."

 

I think that the other problem was the 1966 FID law, which was one of those things that was a pretty good idea at the time. It was basically the first background check law. I have no problem with background checks for prohibited people. But I think the card and associated paperwork discouraged people to purchase firearms in the first place.

 

I know a couple of people who are interested in purchasing a gun, but darn it, they just don't feel like doing the paperwork and dealing with the hassle. If you have fewer gun owners, you have fewer chances for non-gun owners to get into the sport. So I think the requirements for an FID are the other problem.

 

All that being said, I really wouldn't have that much of a problem with the FID if it only took 30 days. But... this is one of those cases where we gave the government an inch and they took a mile. If the ID card takes 31 days, or 3 days or 6 months... who do you complain to? The government?

 

For lack of a term, NJ made us. NJ2AS and Gun for Hire Radio are twin children of the state's arrogance.

IMHO, it's one of the main problems. We basically have no constitutional protections to point to and say: "Oh, no you don't."

 

I think that the other problem was the 1966 FID law, which was one of those things that was a pretty good idea at the time. It was basically the first background check law. I have no problem with background checks for prohibited people. But I think the card and associated paperwork discouraged people to purchase firearms in the first place.

 

 

All that being said, I really wouldn't have that much of a problem with the FID if it only took 30 days. But... this is one of those cases where we gave the government an inch and they took a mile. If the ID card takes 31 days, or 3 days or 6 months... who do you complain to? The government?

 

I'm going to try to do a page here next week or so on the public hearing of the 1966 FID law. There was a lot of 'persuasiveness' by the AG who made it seem at the time like it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. I'll try to find more information down the line. I think the answer partly lies in education of the public and more pro 2A legislators and most importantly to remain vocal and strong despite the opposition.

The way we were taught in police academy many years ago is that the NJ State constitution or AG guidelines may be more stringent than the US constitution but not more relaxed. So therefore you do have the "right" to bear arms under certain "restrictions" set forth by the more stringent NJ guidelines. The argument could be beaten to death, but a perfect example would be interpreting the US constitution 4th amendment then applying the more "stringent" NJ guidelines towards search and seizure which are some of the most strict in the United States when it comes to determining reasonable suspicion and probable cause for a search.

 

Perhaps my opinion is skewed cause I deal with the worst humanity has to offer on a daily basis, the people that people like you choose not to want to deal with. I can assure you if they relaxed the gun laws in NJ and anyone and everyone was able to purchase firearms, we would have big time issues. Im content jumping through hoops to get my guns knowing that the entire process is enough to deter most people who probably should NOT have access to firearms from obtaining them...

 

It is an argument one could make for both sides, but I am sure we will agree that the handgun and rifle restrictions that they place in NJ are silly...You can only buy one handgun per permit, but you can buy as many high power rifles and shotguns as you want and they aren't registered by the NJSP.

 

You're on the wrong side of this one....ALL Nj laws do is make it more difficult and onerous for LAW ABIDING people go get their firearms..pookie will still buy his on the corner no matter what. Guys like you make me REALLY glad im retiring in a couple of months..you may be a cop, but you certainly are not MY Brother.