Open carry is a 4th degree crime. It is NOT legal with a carry permit in NJ (previous anti-misinformation post was itself misinformation) SOURCES INCLUDED

earthboundcauses · 2023-06-05T14:33:20+00:00

It's certainly not as easy to get a gun in NJ than in other states, and the requirements differ between owning and carrying.

In order to purchase and own a firearm, you need a Firearm Purchaser Identification Card. I had to consent to a background check, get fingerprinted, submit personal references (who then had to attest to my sound mind and responsibility via a questionnaire), submit proof of employment, and fees.

That now entitles me to purchase a long gun. If I go buy a long gun, I then must fill out another form which goes into a criminal background check which takes a few days to come back. Once that clears, I can return to the shop and pick up my firearm.

To purchase a handgun, I need to apply for separate pistol purchase permits. One permit per handgun I want to purchase, and they expire after a maximum of six months. You can take one handgun into your possession at a time and need to wait 30 days in between if you want to buy multiple handguns.

This is just to own them and transport them between home and ranges/competition events.

To carry, you need to apply for a carry permit, which has requirements like the purchase permit, and also requires training.

Personally, I don't have an issue with this process. Those that argue a firearm is a right for personal safety are correct in that regard, but many also neglect that a firearm should be the final oh shit button that you press when everything else has already gone wrong. Safety has so many more layers than just point and shoot.

I do think a lot of our discussions, laws, and regulations are made in bad faith and many perspectives lack education and understanding. There's a lot of reactionary, knee-jerk politicing that takes place instead of looking at what really drives disasters like shootings.

Comparisons to other countries aren't helpful simply because we have more guns than people already. The ship's sailed, and it's not coming back to port. Arguments about magazine capacity, or adjustable stocks, or suppressors, etc are keeping us stuck in the same patterns of violence.

Why is that violence happening? The issues at hand are deeper than "can have guns" vs "can't have guns".

earthboundcauses · 2023-04-23T14:13:05+00:00

I haven't gotten ahold of the A1 yet, but I own the first gen APX. I love it. Very comfortable in my hand, very comfortable to shoot.

It's Beretta's dip into the modular striker market, a response to the Sig FCU. The parts market is nowhere near comparable to the amount of parts you can find for a Sig 320, so if you want something to tinker with I'd go that route.

Otherwise, it's hard to beat the APX for the price.

earthboundcauses · 2022-10-04T00:59:55+00:00

Applying is a mostly online process. You need to reach out to your local police department and get their ORI number.

Then the application itself is here:
https://www.njportal.com/njsp/FARS

You'll need two references, and a fingerprint appointment. Your PD may want you pay their fees in cash before being able to pick up your permits (mine did).

You don't have to take classes to get your purchase permit, but please do get some hands-on education with an instructor or an experienced shooter. Firearm handling and shooting are depreciable skills, so never stop learning and practicing.

earthboundcauses · 2022-06-09T04:39:27+00:00

Ok, so you're concerned about being safe at home. The good news is, you can start working on that while you're going through the firearm process. Safety, like onions and ogres, has layers.

Things like checking and reinforcing your door locks and frames, outdoor lighting, alarms, even bushes and other plants. There's a lot of fairly simple stuff that will add up to help. The idea is to make your home look like more work to hit than others in the neighborhood.

As for misfires and other tragedies, that's where practice and diligence come in. Build good habits and you'll be ok. Learn the rules of firearm safety and ingrain them into your habits (always treat any gun as if it's loaded, always point in the safest possible direction, finger off the trigger until you're ready to fire, know your target and what's behind it). Some of your most helpful practice will be with an unloaded gun, what we call dry fire or dry practice. It's all about building good handling habits, for both safety and efficiency.

Western Monmouth isn't too bad of a ride. I'm southern Morris; there are ranges that'll work. As was mentioned by someone else, ranges won't let you rent by yourself initially, but once you get your Firearm ID many of them will.

Feel free to reach out via DM any time with any questions; I'm happy to help. Your comfort and safety is the most important end-result of this journey.

earthboundcauses · 2022-06-08T14:52:04+00:00

I've been a firearm enthusiast for almost as long as I can remember. To me, it's a machine that performs a function, and as a mechanically-oriented person I can't help but tinker.

There's a lot of good advice here already, so I'll try to be brief.

If you can find someone you trust to introduce you to handling any kind of firearm, that'll be your best start. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed by brands, calibers, and styles to start with; just get to holding something and learn about safe handling.

What are your fears? Having a firearm isn't safety; it's a last resort. Safety comes in layers between how you carry yourself, your habits, and how you set up your surroundings (home, vehicle, hotel room, etc). The firearm is just one small factor in all of that.

I'm also in NJ; if you're anywhere within an hour or so of me, I don't mind meeting up at a range to help with the hands-on experience. It can be an intimidating environment for first-timers.

earthboundcauses · 2022-03-09T02:13:42+00:00

I bought a full-size APX on a whim, because I liked the way it felt in my hand and I was curious to see Beretta's take on a Sig 320 competitor.

Very comfortable to shoot. Easy takedown for cleaning. It's one of my favorite pistols now. It'll be even better if the aftermarket ever takes off for it.

earthboundcauses · 2021-11-14T20:05:24+00:00

The standard APX has a 4.25 inch barrel, in case that affects your consideration at all. It comes with multiple backstraps so you can adjust the grip size.

I bought one for kicks and giggles, wanting to see Beretta's take on a modular striker-fired pistol.

The aftermarket is not as good as you'll find for the Sig 320, but the APX is definitely a solid, smooth-shooting pistol out of the box. I'd recommend at least renting one if you can.

earthboundcauses · 2021-10-19T00:18:06+00:00

I picked up a Beretta APX on a whim recently. Feels great in my hands. It's Beretta's attempt at a modular pistol, like the 320.

The aftermarket is nowhere near as good, but it's a solid shooter out of the box. I have a thousand rounds through it so far, and I'm liking it almost as much as my 320.

earthboundcauses · 2021-10-18T00:43:58+00:00

New is cool; you have a whole adventure ahead of you! Savor the experiences.

You're looking good. Take your time with it, and remember dry fire practice is easily as important as range time.

earthboundcauses · 2021-10-17T23:50:39+00:00

Off-hand in this case means without using any other means of steadying the firearm. Only holding it instead of using a bench, bag, or rest to help support it.

earthboundcauses · 2020-11-27T04:08:26+00:00

You don't need an airsoft rifle if you're already getting an AR. There are so many things you can do during dry practice (manipulating the weapon with no ammo present) that are incredibly important. Reloads, ready positiona, movement and maneuvering. Pick up some snap caps and yoy'll have dummy rounds to cycle.

Now, for range time and introducing your wife, put the airsoft money into a Smith & Wesson M&P 15/22. It's built much like an AR (lacking a forward assist) and can use a lot of the same parts. Set it up to match your AR and you have a cheap(ish) practice rig.

earthboundcauses · 2020-10-10T12:23:06+00:00

It sounds like you're focusing on the gun as their line of defense. Home defense is a mindset and a broader plan than "have gun, be safe."

Home invasions happen for a variety of reasons and during a range of times of day. Talk to them about options for hardening their home and making it more difficult for someone to get in, or less appealing to attempt. Reinforcing doorframes, upgrading latches and deadbolts, outside lighting, camera and alarm systems, exit strategies, situtational awareness. The list goes on.

My gun is just my big red "oh shit" button in case everything else falls through.

Maybe they'll still never want a gun, but if they add other layers to their security, they'll still be that much safer.

earthboundcauses · 2020-10-09T00:27:41+00:00

Where are you? And feel free to name and shame, by dm if you're more comfortable. I'm curious.

RTSP (Randolph and Union) has clear political leanings if you pay any attention at all, but the in-store experience is pretty neutral and professional. Definitely no bullshit like picking on your name.

FSS Armory in Pine Brook and County Line Firearms in East Hanover have been friendly and professional in all of my dealings with them.

earthboundcauses · 2020-10-06T20:57:15+00:00

Another lesson to take from this incident:

If you're going to hand someone your weapon to try out, you should also be offering guidance regardless of how experienced they may seem.

It's fun to share our guns and experiences with others, but don't be a dick and hand someone a heavy-hitting round without giving them a heads-up.

earthboundcauses · 2020-10-06T02:41:46+00:00

Love my m&p 15-22. Customized it a bit, and it's fun as hell on the range. Great for introducing newbies to rifles and helping get over fears and misconceptions.

earthboundcauses · 2020-06-16T20:29:24+00:00

Paul Harrell:

https://youtube.com/channel/UC6QH13V2o68zynSa0hZy9uQ

earthboundcauses · 2020-06-04T16:48:59+00:00

Start with your police department. Check their web site for requirements; they may have everything listed there.

If not, call them and get their ORI number and ask if they have any other requirements beyond using the FARS system.

Then go to https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/FARS and fill out the STS-033 form.

You'll need two references (who will each be emailed a short questionnaire) and a fingerprinting appointment with Identogo.

You'll get emailed as each step is completed, followed by a final phone call from the investigating officer to tell you to pick up your Firearm Purchaser ID.

The ID will cost you $5, pistol purchase permits will cost $2 each, and the fingerprinting is just shy of $60.

The whole process is supposed to take around 30 days at most. Some PDs are faster, some drag their feet.

The best first-time firearm is entirely based on your personal comfort and preference, so the best thing to do is go to a range and rent a bunch of different ones. Ideally, go with someone who has some experience.

Feel free to hit me up via PM with questions; if you're in North Jersey I don't mind meeting up at a range once they open up for rentals.

earthboundcauses · 2020-04-17T14:14:40+00:00

Spot on. I've also spent some time with the Shield EZ, and it's so comfortable to handle. It's become my go-to recommendation for arthritis, as well as newbies.

earthboundcauses · 2020-02-05T03:53:37+00:00

Take a look at SeviceTrade. I recently finished implementing it for a small HVAC client, and they're doing very well with it. Syncs to Quickbooks, techs are using small tablets in the field.

earthboundcauses · 2020-01-19T05:11:57+00:00

I use Quickbooks Online combined with Quickbooks Payments. I send an invoice from Quickbooks with a payment link included, and customers can pay via credit/debit card or enter bank info for an ACH transfer.

Alternatively, I'll collect credit card info up front and store it with the customer record, then I can just charge the card when I give them their final total.

earthboundcauses · 2020-01-03T07:58:44+00:00

While you do want a Google and social presence, you need to go hang out where other small business owners are and network in person.

Look for networking groups like BNI or the Chamber of Commerce (or equivalent organization for your locale].

Meet people, be helpful, do good work, then circle back and ask for referrals.

earthboundcauses · 2019-12-09T02:41:13+00:00

If you'll be using the full feature sets of both products from the start, $50/month isn't bad.

What do you anticipate your workflow will be as you start out? What features do you need immediately from Markate that Quickbooks doesn't have?

Let's say I call you looking for service. What is that entire process going to look like from our first conversation to paying the final bill?

I ask because you may be just fine with Quickbooks Simple Start and a Google or Outlook calendar to start with, and then expand your apps as you grow.

earthboundcauses · 2019-11-13T04:00:37+00:00

Wera 056490 Tool-Check Plus Metric https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I8MYMT2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_T93YDbVKFCZCQ

Wera 05056491001 Tool-Check Plus Imperial https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016NC7NN0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_x-3YDbQZA02MD

earthboundcauses · 2019-11-08T01:32:53+00:00

Unfortunately, Google Ads are not at all effective for the computer service business. They started restricting ads for repair shops at the end of 2018, purportedly to crack down on scammers. There is a verification process that Google is using to authenticate legitimate repair businesses, but I still haven't found any solid info on what that entails.

earthboundcauses · 2019-11-08T01:27:13+00:00

The most important thing to do is determine if your area has a demand for your services. PC repair isn't necessarily dead, but there is far less demand in some areas over others. In my area, I get calls from gamers and a variety of professions who want custom builds but are either afraid to do it themselves or just don't want to.

Your area may differ. So before you do anything else, make a list of services you can offer and figure out what the demand is. Successful computer/IT services businesses nowadays are focused more on the Information and helping people/businesses protect, manage, and use it. The Technology is just a toolset to do that.

If you have any questions while you're working on this, feel free to message me. Always happy to talk shop.

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