Question:

The law states that you can't have a gun with you (N.J.S.2C:39-5), but there are exemptions if you're going to the range. In 2C:39-6 f1 it says that there is an exemption for "A member of any rifle or pistol club.... going to or from a place of target practice." Then in 2C:39-6 f3a it says that there is an exemption for "traveling... directly to or from any target range."

Does anyone know, what is the point of having both clauses in the law? Anyone who's "a member of a rifle or pistol club ... going to or from a target practice" is also "traveling ... directly to or from any target range." So what does the first clause allow for that isn't also allowed for by the second? Am I missing something?

Trying to make sense of NJ gun laws is an exercise in futility IMO.

Perhaps it's for club members going to private property for a club meet/shoot?

 

 

Welcome to the NJ Statutes... 

2C:39 f.1 - Refers to traveling to or from any "club" organized under certain rules that maintains a copy of its members, as well as carrying a firearm about them while at that club.

2C:39 f. 3(a) - allows carrying a firearm while hunting.

2C:39 f. 3(b) - allows transporting a firearm to any target range (different from organized club) or another location where shooting is authorized.  

May I add to the confusion.

When discussing this subject don't just say guns. Rules are different for long guns and handguns.

And how about this. If you have an FID card you can legally have a long gun in the trunk always, anytime, forever. No range  or repair trips need be involved.  No club membership.

 

57 minutes ago, almiz111 said:

And how about this. If you have an FID card you can legally have a long gun in the trunk always, anytime, forever. No range  or repair trips need be involved.  No club membership.

 

ALMOST.... Except, not at a prohibited location....School property, Gov property, police property, courthouses.

And the gun must be unloaded and be transported properly. If you have a trunk, gun can be loose. If passenger compartment is not separate from cargo area, gun must cases or wrapped or something.

Thanks for the clarification  to dajonga. Knowing only part of the law  can be trouble!! Guilty as charged.

 

8 hours ago, almiz111 said:

May I add to the confusion.

When discussing this subject don't just say guns. Rules are different for long guns and handguns.

And how about this. If you have an FID card you can legally have a long gun in the trunk always, anytime, forever. No range  or repair trips need be involved.  No club membership.

 

Yes, you are right. I meant handguns.

On 4/2/2020 at 9:53 PM, Dr. Goodshot said:

Question:

The law states that you can't have a gun with you (N.J.S.2C:39-5), but there are exemptions if you're going to the range. In 2C:39-6 f1 it says that there is an exemption for "A member of any rifle or pistol club.... going to or from a place of target practice." Then in 2C:39-6 f3a it says that there is an exemption for "traveling... directly to or from any target range."

Does anyone know, what is the point of having both clauses in the law? Anyone who's "a member of a rifle or pistol club ... going to or from a target practice" is also "traveling ... directly to or from any target range." So what does the first clause allow for that isn't also allowed for by the second? Am I missing something?

The major difference is one word - "directly". The former does not contain the word, so you do not have to go directly to/from if you are a member of the appropriately affiliated club. This doesn't mean you can drive around continuously with a handgun in your car, but can allow for a more convenient trip. Non-club members are only allowed to make deviations that are reasonable in the circumstances.

This is the reason ANJRPC has a non-range membership level. You can be a member of ANJRPC and gain the protection of being a club member without paying extra for the use of a range you don't want to use - it covers you going to/from and place of target practice, including your buddy's yard in the back of beyond.

3 hours ago, Mr.Stu said:

The major difference is one word - "directly". The former does not contain the word, so you do not have to go directly to/from if you are a member of the appropriately affiliated club. This doesn't mean you can drive around continuously with a handgun in your car, but can allow for a more convenient trip. Non-club members are only allowed to make deviations that are reasonable in the circumstances.

This is the reason ANJRPC has a non-range membership level. You can be a member of ANJRPC and gain the protection of being a club member without paying extra for the use of a range you don't want to use - it covers you going to/from and place of target practice, including your buddy's yard in the back of beyond.

Wow, tricky. You are so right: f3b says "directly" and f1 just says "going to or from." 

I wonder if this distinction has ever had any practical application on the ground. Subsection g says that in both cases you can only make "such deviations as are reasonably necessary."

Now that I look at it, it seems that f1 talks about "a place of target practice," and f3b says "a target range or other authorized place for the purpose of practice." So it sounds like you can go somewhere unauthorized if you're a member of a club. Like you said, your buddy's yard, where you can go shoot cans off of tree stumps.