Gun Laws For Military

[TexasTrash]

I am active duty military stationed in NJ, my state of residents is Texas. Can I walk into a gun store and buy a rifle in PA?

[GoldWinger]

AFIK, a resident of any state can buy a long gun in another state as long as the laws of both states permit it. Service members are in a unique situation. For gun buying, you're considered a resident of your registered residence along with the state where you are currently stationed and if you actually reside in a state different than that where you are stationed, you are considered a resident of that state as well. A confusing situation and one that I've found that most FFLs don't understand unless they are in a military area.

[GRIZ]

You can buy a long gun in PA using your Texas ID and your home of record in TX.

Do you live on or off post in NJ? In either case you need to get a NJ FID to buy a long gun in NJ or a Permit to Purchase a Pistol or Revolver.

If you live off post you have to go to the police department where you live. No PD? Go to the nearest NJ State Police Barracks. All the forms are listed on NJSP.org and the procedure listed.

If you live on post I think you go to the State Police. If you call them they can tell you.

[Decholder]

I think you may have some troubles with this if you live on post....I've seen a fair share of people getting hammered for having a personal firearm on base premises. And even if you can get one on base, then you'll probably have to store it at the armory under lock and key.
If not on post, then you still have to deal with the NJ legalities (of which I know close to nill on).

[Rosco the Iroc]

Down here- most dealers ask for a copy of orders that post you in state. No law just kind of an CYA thing.
So to jump on what they said-
Yes you can get it, but you are going back to NJ were you have to check your dick in at the border just in case it's bigger that someone in power there. So not recommended.

[Brick]

Seriously, check with your Provost Marshall's office first. Most active component stations have thier own rules on privately owned firearms and possession of them. Some posts require registration with the PM and that they be kept in the company arms room if you live in barracks. Most posts require that you meet and comply with the laws of the state you are present in. So you must comply with both military and NJ requirements. Make sure you understand them!

[GRIZ]

If you want to buy a gun in NJ.

You need to check with the PMO or SPs where you are stationed if you live on post as rules vary. Officer/Enlisted, barracks/family housing all impact on how and if you can keep a gun on post. The only sure thing, to my experience, is you will have to register it on post. It's been a few years since I dealt with keeping a gun on post but the best I saw was anyone in the barracks had to keep it in the arms room but Officers in the BOQ and anyone in family housing could keep guns in their homes. I spent a week at Lackland AFB once and they had a Privately Owned Weapons armory staffed by the SPs where you could get your guns 24/7 but that was 20 years ago.

[TexasTrash]

I do live on base, you can keep your firearms in your house on base. I called one of the PA State Troopers offices and they told me I would have to have a NJ firearm purchaser card.

[nfafan]

If you want to buy a gun in NJ.

You need to check with the PMO or SPs where you are stationed if you live on post as rules vary. Officer/Enlisted, barracks/family housing all impact on how and if you can keep a gun on post. The only sure thing, to my experience, is you will have to register it on post. It's been a few years since I dealt with keeping a gun on post but the best I saw was anyone in the barracks had to keep it in the arms room but Officers in the BOQ and anyone in family housing could keep guns in their homes. I spent a week at Lackland AFB once and they had a Privately Owned Weapons armory staffed by the SPs where you could get your guns 24/7 but that was 20 years ago.

+1 to that. Of course my fellow room rat insisted on keeping his stainless .41mag hidden in the barracks room, but that was his choice.
When I was married and living on base housing, I had my guns in my home, not in the armory. Along with friend's guns who wished to not keep them in an armory.

[Xringshooter]

You're just kinda screwed. Although the laws say that you can buy a long arm anywhere in the US, as long as you abide by the laws of the state you live in (e.g., magazine restrictions, certain guns unlawful, etc.). Since you are stationed in NJ, that makes you a resident of NJ and you would have to abide by their laws, which would mean getting a NJ FOID prior to buying a long arm. I would get the FOID, for a military person it may not be as difficult as a civilian, but then again it may.

Another scenerio (But I am by no means advocating this): If you came to PA and said that you are in PA on vacation and were from Texas but saw this gun that you just had to have, the gun store would ask you for ID. If you gave them your TX drivers license, they would contact the PSP to do the background check (like they do everyone) and they would connect with an live operator to give them all your information. If everything checked out an authorization number would be issued and the sale would then be completed. Just remember, all the paperwork would have to have your TX address (the same as what is on your license).

All that said, then, if the gun was one that was not allowed in NJ, you would basically be taking an illegal gun into NJ and if caught you could be prosecuted.

I think it would just be easier to get the NJ FOID and go that way. Doing it this way would keep you out of any trouble.

I was stationed at McGuire but lived on Ft. Dix. As you said, married and living in post housing you can keep your guns in your house. I didn't even have any problems with having my FFL. I discussed it with the Provost and the Post Commander and neither had any problems with it.