By: Robert Davis

Responding to new gun control measures in New Jersey, the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs (ANJRPC) filed a lawsuit with the U.S. District Attorney of New Jersey to keep the state from enforcing a magazine confiscation law.

The new law requires owners of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds either to modify the magazines permanently, transfer them out of the state, or hand them over to law enforcement within 180 days (beginning on June 13).

“This unconstitutional law will be ignored by criminals and madmen, and affects only law-abiding citizens,” ANJRPC executive director Scott Bach wrote in a statement published on the association’s website. “Buy it yesterday, ban it today, go to prison tomorrow – it’s the Jersey way, and the goal of our lawsuit is to boot this law, which makes no one safer, into the trash heap of history where it belongs.”


Bach said the new law is a “feel-good” measure that makes no civilian safer. Three days after the magazine confiscation measure was passed, two assailants shot up an all-night art festival in Trenton, NJ, injuring 22 people with rifles using so-called “high-capacity” magazines.

“The anti-gunners pretend to be talking about safety, but their real goal is eradication of private gun ownership. They’re going for the low hanging fruit and think they have the juice to pass a magazine ban,” Bach told Gunpowder Magazine.

Bach says ANJRPC has filed for an injunction of the law while the case goes through the court system. If the case lasts longer than 180 days, those affected could be forced to comply with the law. Arguments for the injunction will be heard in July.
The magazine confiscation measure is one of six new gun control laws New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed into law in June.

“These laws are not about public safety. They’re about ending private gun ownership. Chunk by chunk. Everyone needs to be vigilant. These people are coming for everybody’s rights. New Jersey is a warning,” Bach told GPM.

Robert Davis is a general assignment reporter for Gunpowder Magazine. Contact him with comments or tips at [email protected].