Anyone familiar with the process of applying for, and securing a permit to own and purchase firearms in NJ? I know the process for handgun ownership is supposed to be fairly complex, but is the same also true of licensing and purchasing of other firearms as well? Seems an odd thing to be posting here, but I feel most comfortable with the people that frequent the site. Also, seems as if some people are fairly knowledgable about firearms. Appreciate any useful advice. I do not have any minor children in my home and any weapons purchased would be trigger locked and secured.

http://www.njsp.org/info/pdf/firearms/sts-033.pdf

That is the application for a NJ firearms permit. This is not to be confused with a concealed carry permit, this is just a permit to purchase/own a firearm in your state. (Note, it say submit this in duplicate, so print and fill out two of them....I'll save you a return trip by telling you that up front).

Most of the laws and information can be found here (click the "I agree" and it will open the page):

http://www.packing.org/state/new_jersey/

Start there, and there are links to New Jersey specific forums on Packing.org (on the right side) that may prove helpful.

I don't have any first hand experience with NJ, maybe someone else will drop in with more specific info.

As a side note, it appears that NJ is not a "Shall issue" state for CCW and they have only issued 3,000 permits (to 8 million people, and most of them are retired officers), so a CCW permit is probably a waste of money to apply for in your state.

Good luck!

Kevin- Thanks for the help. It gives me a place to start. Found the stat on CCW rather amazing. My sister's ex-husband had one, I'm guessing due to the "secretive" nature of his father's government employment. Always thought it was odd since he worked for a retail food chain and in a non-security - related job. I now realize how extremely unusual his situation must have been. He's a genuinely nice person, BTW despite his and my sister's unsuccessful relationship. Sorry to ramble on . Thanks again.

That or dad knew someone, which is more likely (at least in my opinion).

Everything begins with that form. It's all downhill from there.

Good luck and keep us posted.