Purchasing a handgun in New Jersey involves several steps.
1. Obtain from your local police department the "Application for Firearms Purchase Identification Card and/or Handgun Purchase Permit". To purchase a handgun in New Jersey two documents are needed - a Firearms Purchase Identification Card and a Handgun Purchase Permit. The one form can be used to obtain both documents. Fill in the form and return it to your local police station records department. On average, it has been taking 4 months to obtain these documents.
Note: Once you obtain your Handgun Purchase Permit, you will have a total of 180 days to purchase a handgun. The permit is initially good for 90 days but can be renewed for another 90.
2. Most Important: Attend a handgun training class. This class will expose you to a variety of handguns - revolvers and semiautos. It will teach you how to hold, aim and shoot a handgun. After the class, you will have an idea of the type of handgun you're interested in. Stay in contact with your instructor; you may want feedback on your handgun selection. Also the instructor may have other handguns to try.
3. Continue researching the handguns you like checking out forums, YouTube, manufacturers websites, etc. You will find feedback from others who may own or have owned the handgun(s) of interest. Visit guns stores and discuss availability. Handguns are in demand. Most gun stores are willing to work with you coordinating ordering with the arrival of your permits to help you obtain the handgun(s) you want.
4. Important - Continue to shoot handguns. There are ranges that rent handguns and range time. It is very important that you shoot several handguns as the ones you like may not be available when you're ready to purchase. You need a list with a 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices.
Very Important: Be sure to shoot a handgun before you purchase it. If not the exact model you want, then something very similar.