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Coming to America !!!

Timo Turl

Full Member
Full Member
Minuteman
May 24, 2010
986
187
My boss has just told me he is probably going to move me to the US from the UK. My wife and I are pretty thrilled about getting the chance to live and work in America as we've always loved the country and have taken numerous vacations together all over the US.

That's the good news. The crap-shot is that the job is in Manhattan and from what I can gather they are more pathetic when it comes to gun laws than the UK. Am I correct in thinking I won't be allowed a semi-auto 22 with a break, telescopic stock, 25-rd magazine but I should be ok with my 24" 308 that doesn't have a break/moderator and has a 10-round magazine subject to getting a permit ?

It looks like I will have to live in Manhattan but are there any States that I could live in that still allows me to work in Manhattan but with less fascist gun laws ie CT, NJ etc ? If I do live in Manhattan, I guess my hopes of owning a pistol are out ?

From what i've read there aren't too many long distance ranges near the City but there seem to be quite a few shorter ranges that are popular, is that the case ?

I've got quite a lot to learn but at least we seem to be moving to the US and I can easily travel to other States to shoot and attend courses/schools.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm coming with my wife/2-kids and a huge appetite to shoot and learn. I recognise Manhattan isn't the best place to end up both financially and from a gun perspective and to be honest I'd much rather be in a more rural state but it is a step in the right direction and in time i might be able to relocated within the US.

Are there any Manhattan members on here, I've see the CT guys met up recently...are they the most active group in and around that area ?

We can't wait to get over there and start a new life. The UK is fine but has some serious problems at the moment as does most of Europe and with Parliament reviewing gun control tomorrow I think we are getting out just in time !!!!
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

Come on up to CT! We have an assault weapons ban but as long as you are not attached to collapsible stocks, bayonet lugs or flash suppressors you can have semi autos and no magazine restrictions. Also we can have suppressors on our bolt guns atleast
wink.gif
CT is betetr than the surrounding states and definitely better than NY/NJ.
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

From what I understand ALL of New York State sux when it comes to gun laws. I'm fairly sure NY City is even worse.
I imagine there are several folks here that can fill you in on the laws.
I have a friend on another board that lives in/on Long Island. I can put you in touch with him if needed.

Hope everything works out for you.
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

Are you a city dweller now? If not, getting acclimated to Manhattan, particular for kids, can be a little tough.

I lived in Manhattan for years, then NJ near the city, now NJ on the country. If you are not a wanker, you'll find plently of places to shoot and people with who to shoot with.

I suggest you shoot a PM to richardj, a fellow ex pat brit shooter in NJ.
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

Who is the primary person on the relocation package? If its your Wife you won't be allowed a firearm for quite a while anywhere in the US, much less even allowed to work!

Make the most of the change and worry about guns and stuff till later. Leaving the U.K is no matter what a bonus.

BTW; When u leave,...switch out the lights!

:)
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

I live in central London now but New York is a different ball game with family. I've been there a few dozen times but never to live. I am the primary person being relocated so hopefully once I've satisfied the requirements I can bring my rifles over.

Thanks for the advice Rob, I've actually looked online at some property in Fairfax County but I think Manhattan will likely be home at least for a while. It is temping though given the extra space & peace for the $ that comes outside the City.

Emouse you are right about leaving the shooting till later, at least until my wife has finished dragging me around all the stores ! I'll send you a postcard :)

Well, looking forward to coming over, probably next Month i hope.
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

Avoid NYC altogether - not only are pistol permits hard to get but you also need a permit to own a long-gun. Furthermore the city WON'T issue permits for black rifles period, so you won't be able to own an AR or other interesting toys.

You might want to consider moving to PA the commute time from the Philadelphia area is probably about the same (or a little more) as it is from Fairfield County in CT and there you won't have any restrictions. If you are into long range you won't find anything in CT, but there are plenty of great ranges in PA. Plus PA will give you access to all the fun stuff.

 
Re: Coming to America !!!

Well, in NYC (Manhattan in particular
grin.gif
) you can easily arm yourself with a hammer, a screwdriver, or maybe even a nail-gun. Anything else might bring an unwelcome attention of NYPD and Mr. Bloomberg himself
wink.gif
.

Commuting to NYC from PA, CT, or even NJ (which is one of the anti-gun states) is likely to be less than pleasant, and time-consuming. Though many people are doing it daily for various reasons. Upstate NY used to be (almost) normal gun-wise, but recently - say for the last 10 years - it sucks big time. So Upstate NY is not a refuge from the mad NYC.

PA would be your best bet gun-wise, probably the worst commute-wise.

And best of luck on your move and acclimatization!
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

5-hours a day is too much for me but PA sounds like the sort of place I'll be spending my weekends. Will search for some clubs/ranges there. Thx for the suggestions.
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

TJ,...what I meant is that even if your are the primary person on the relocation it doesn't follow that you will get a permit for a firearm immediately. You may want to approach local PD and ask them about this prior to the move??

I hope the move goes smoothly and that your up and shooting as quickly as possible?
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

I'm a Brit recently moved to the US (well, nearly 6 years ago...).

Here's the bad news.... until you get your conditional permanent residency you are not going to be owning any firearms. At least that was the law two years ago.

Sorry mate, but hey, if it's a long term move then it's only a few years until you get to own your own firearms.

BTW - they don't use the indicators on their cars here, it's considered a sign of weakness or something...
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

T.J - hope the move goes well but as someone else says - "out of the frying pan and into the fire".

I think here in the UK we view the US as some sort of shooters paradise. looks like that is a long way from reality!

I'm guessing you'd have to sell your kit here and restock if/when you get a permit in the US?

The one thing that is putting me off moving over to France is that anything they can reasonable say is a "military calibre" - perhaps even the classic stuff? - is banned (seeing as I have 308, 5.56, 8mm and 303 I'm guessing I'd be f*cked!).

I'm thinking in the US you'd not be able to purchase or own until you either get residency or citizenship?
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

I lived in CT (Wallingford) for a year and to begin with was frustrated in not being able to own any firearms.

However I found a neat little loop hole - basically I got myself a hunting licence (by producing evidence that I shot game in the UK) and was then able to buy shotguns and rifles (no waiting period either). No pistols though, but I went practical pistol shooting with mates every weekend with theirs.

Took a trip back there recently and was sad to note that a lot of the gun stores / outfitters had closed down. The main range I used to use (Blue Trails) was fighting off a lawsuit from a local resident (I even bought a t-shirt 'save blue trails range'!)

Good luck in relocating mate, if the gun laws over here become even more prohibitive I shall be joining you soon as my wife's American.
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

Its the French that puts me off moving to France !

I've got to do more research into this move but from what I've found so far I need the following which doesn't seem so promlematic:

Non-citizens are required to submit the following documents with the application for a Rifle/Shotgun permit:

1. Resident Alien Card (this could be the sticking point, need to understand if my work permit & residency is sufficient)

2. Good Conduct Certificate: If your Alien Registration Card is less than seven (7) years old, you must submit a
Good Conduct Certificate from your country of origin. You can obtain a Good Conduct Certificate at your consulate.
You are required to submit the original document, written in English, with a seal affixed.

3. Character Reference Letters: In addition, you must provide two (2) notarized letters attesting to your good
character. An employer, member of the clergy, doctor, lawyer, business owner, or other person(s) known to the
community may write the letters. All letters must be written on their company stationery/letterhead stating how long they
have known you and that they attest to your good character. The letter must also include their telephone number.
Family members and non-citizens are not able to attest to your character.
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

Federal law says you need to be here for 3 months before you can acquire a firearm. Furthermore, depending on the type of visa you're on this requirement might get reset every time you leave the country which I guess could be a real pain in the ass if you travel a lot for business. In addition, you will need to provide every time you make a gun purchase your admission number (or alien number if you have a green card), a valid hunting permit (doesn't matter from what state), and 3 months worth of utility bills or a rental agreement. This information is submitted as part of the NICS check every time you make a purchase. If you're living in NYC you then have the added inconvenience of getting a NYC pistol permit which take a long time to get (and might be difficult in your case because of your immigration status - but not impossible) and a long-gun permit. I'm not sure what the pistol permits cost - but they are not cheap, the long gun permits costs about $200.

What type of shooting do you do?
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: OFIS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Easton, Pennsylvania.

1 hour from NYC and about the same gun laws as Texas. Plus, several good ranges in PA. </div></div>

Ding dong! That's the answer he's looking for! Is there a train that runs through there?
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

Thanks for the detail. I think a pistol permit costs around $350 which is a shocker. A pistol would be nice to have if possible but isn't my core interest. That remains bolt-action target/practical rifle shooting and i'm just starting out in reloading.

Easton sounds like a rarity in the northeast and only 1hr from NYC means I'm going to have to look into it. Thanks !
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

I grew up in the Lehigh Valley area in PA.
My house was at the end of the ABE Airport runway actually.(Allentown, Easton, & Bethlehem)
You will not be disappointed.
Now there are even casinos in Bethlehem where the Steel Plants use to be.

I stayed in NC when I got out of the MIL and fell in love with the area.
Only possible complaints that I can think of are:
- PA roads suck. (Obama stimulus money has helped slightly though.)
- There are some areas of Easton, PA that are a bit rough.

Will be making my obligatory visit to the area between Christmas & New Years.
Will update with any new developments in the area.

Welcome to America!
We need as many folks like you as we can get.

Cheers Mate...
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

If you happen to live RIGHT on 78...drive a Ferrari...leave the house at 2am...and have an office RIGHT NEXT to the Holland Tunnel...you MAY be able to make NYC from Easton in 1 Hour.

Where is your office in NYC? It can take an hour to drive from the Tunnel to midtown.

There are no trains from Easton. The best you've got is a bus into Port Authority. You may make it to Port Authority in around an hour, but you still have to take the subway to your office.

I lived in Jersey City, 4.9 miles from my office in WFC. On a saturday morning at 7am, it took 11 minutes. The average drive was 30 minutes. On more than one occasion, the drive home took in excess of 2 hours. Mapquest means SQUAT when it comes to NYC commutes.

Unless your house and office are located perfectly, you will have a LONG commute from PA.
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

DIsappointed I came this thread for some:

soul-glo.jpg


Welcome to America!

Be certain to travel. America is vast and expansive, and can sometimes manage to match the population distributions and variety in Europe. It's a great place though, and there's all kinds of amazing things to do and see here. So many that you'll never accomplish them all, but Manhattan is a start.

smile.gif


Eggs on a roll at some neighborhood breakfast joint in Brooklyn is a good way to go I think personally.
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sititunga1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Cornwell Heights in PA is probably your best bet it's just over an hour from the city by train. </div></div>

75 minutes each way by Amtrak, plus the time it takes to get to the station in Bensalem, the time it takes to get from Penn Station to your office, plus parking costs and $1000 a month for the train tickets!!
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 19Scout77</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you happen to live RIGHT on 78...drive a Ferrari...leave the house at 2am...and have an office RIGHT NEXT to the Holland Tunnel...you MAY be able to make NYC from Easton in 1 Hour.

Where is your office in NYC? It can take an hour to drive from the Tunnel to midtown.

There are no trains from Easton. The best you've got is a bus into Port Authority. You may make it to Port Authority in around an hour, but you still have to take the subway to your office.

I lived in Jersey City, 4.9 miles from my office in WFC. On a saturday morning at 7am, it took 11 minutes. The average drive was 30 minutes. On more than one occasion, the drive home took in excess of 2 hours. Mapquest means SQUAT when it comes to NYC commutes.

Unless your house and office are located perfectly, you will have a LONG commute from PA. </div></div>

hey hey hey.... Slow that italian olive oil wagon down... I used to fight crime on I-78, at least the Eastern end of it by Union/Irvington/Newark. Going East in the morning you will be with the traffic, but not too bad if you cross 287 before 7:30am.

What about Central Bucks, drive to Trenton Train station, ride on in. There may even be express trains. And save some bucks on the cost of all the fuel too.

That's where I live, and a lot of people are here doing that.

--Fargo007
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its the French that puts me off moving to France !</div></div>
grin.gif


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got to do more research into this move but from what I've found so far I need the following which doesn't seem so promlematic:

Non-citizens are required to submit the following documents with the application for a Rifle/Shotgun permit:

1. Resident Alien Card (this could be the sticking point, need to understand if my work permit & residency is sufficient)

2. Good Conduct Certificate: If your Alien Registration Card is less than seven (7) years old, you must submit a
Good Conduct Certificate from your country of origin. You can obtain a Good Conduct Certificate at your consulate.
You are required to submit the original document, written in English, with a seal affixed.

3. Character Reference Letters: In addition, you must provide two (2) notarized letters attesting to your good character. An employer, member of the clergy, doctor, lawyer, business owner, or other person(s) known to the community may write the letters. All letters must be written on their company stationery/letterhead stating how long they have known you and that they attest to your good character. The letter must also include their telephone number.
Family members and non-citizens are not able to attest to your character.</div></div>
Hey, this sounds awfully like the procedure that the <span style="text-decoration: underline">US citizens</span> residing in Massachusetts must follow!
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

If PA is too far then you might want to consider Westchester County in NYS. If you look at some of the river towns along the Hudson like Hastings, Dobbs or Irvington, you're only 35 to 45 minutes away from the city - it's a nice commute straight into GC with great river views. You'll need a pistol permit but it's not like NYC, and you don't need a long-gun permit. It isn't NJ, which is good and it's closer than CT to the fun and games you can have in PA. I shoot in tactical rifle matches in PA about once a month and to where I shoot it's about a 2 hour drive.
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

I have no problem driving long distances at the weekends to shoot but a long daily commute isn't something i'm keen on, unless somone has a a cheap Ferrari in the WTS section (i've told the wife we are getting a pick-up). I start work before 7am with our offices on AOA midtown so it is either an easy train into GC or living in Manhattan which sucks but if it means the difference between walking to work or a 2-hr commute it is a no contest. I've been to Trenton once before & will have a look into that too.

We are def going to travel around the US and Canada. Been lucky enough to go to quite a few States over the years but there is so much we haven't seen. I told my wife we should rent an RV and showed her some pics of them with huge comfy beds, tubs and lounge chairs and suggested we could do southern CA, Vegas and the Canyon early next summer. She thought it was a great idea until she asked which hotels we would be staying in !
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

6th Ave (AOA) in Midtown is relatively convenient to Port Authority as well. Do not discount NYC area bus service as for alot of locations, it is extremely convenient--way more so that train stations. Plus the buses tend to be rather nice.

Also, housing convenient for train services does bring a premium (unless you want to live in Newark!!). Trenton, while OK to commute from--IS NOT A VIABLE RESIDENCE ALTERNATIVE!!!

 
Re: Coming to America !!!

Sure there is $$$$$$$ solves everything!!
smile.gif


If you can afford it and are considering Jersey, I would suggest some of the nicer areas of Bergen County, NJ.


SInce you mentioned children, schools are an issue. Being a big education fan, IMO there are a limited number of public school systems in NJ where I would feel comfortable educating my kids. Private school is pretty much a requirement--so factor that into your COL. If you want public schools there are a few in Bergen County, and Someset County NJ also has some good schools--but is more of a commute.

Public school in NYC is risky, unless your kids are High School age and test well enough to get into Stuyvescant--NYC public school's flagship high school.
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TJ.</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its the French that puts me off moving to France !

I've got to do more research into this move but from what I've found so far I need the following which doesn't seem so promlematic:

Non-citizens are required to submit the following documents with the application for a Rifle/Shotgun permit:

1. Resident Alien Card (this could be the sticking point, need to understand if my work permit & residency is sufficient)

2. Good Conduct Certificate: If your Alien Registration Card is less than seven (7) years old, you must submit a
Good Conduct Certificate from your country of origin. You can obtain a Good Conduct Certificate at your consulate.
You are required to submit the original document, written in English, with a seal affixed.

3. Character Reference Letters: In addition, you must provide two (2) notarized letters attesting to your good
character. An employer, member of the clergy, doctor, lawyer, business owner, or other person(s) known to the
community may write the letters. All letters must be written on their company stationery/letterhead stating how long they
have known you and that they attest to your good character. The letter must also include their telephone number.
Family members and non-citizens are not able to attest to your character.
</div></div>


Live in Mexico ,get your citizenship there....then come across the border and do whatever you want as an illegal....no worries !!!
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BasraBoy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">T.J - hope the move goes well but as someone else says - "out of the frying pan and into the fire".

I think here in the UK we view the US as some sort of shooters paradise. looks like that is a long way from reality!

I'm guessing you'd have to sell your kit here and restock if/when you get a permit in the US?

The one thing that is putting me off moving over to France is that anything they can reasonable say is a "military calibre" - perhaps even the classic stuff? - is banned (seeing as I have 308, 5.56, 8mm and 303 I'm guessing I'd be f*cked!).

I'm thinking in the US you'd not be able to purchase or own until you either get residency or citizenship? </div></div>


It is as close to a shooter's paradise as you can get when it comes to first world nations. You need to find a state that is gun friendly. NY and NJ is 10 times worse than CA yet they don't get nearly a tenth of the flak that CA does.
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 19Scout77</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sure there is $$$$$$$ solves everything!!
smile.gif


If you can afford it and are considering Jersey, I would suggest some of the nicer areas of Bergen County, NJ.


SInce you mentioned children, schools are an issue. Being a big education fan, IMO there are a limited number of public school systems in NJ where I would feel comfortable educating my kids. Private school is pretty much a requirement--so factor that into your COL. If you want public schools there are a few in Bergen County, and Someset County NJ also has some good schools--but is more of a commute.

Public school in NYC is risky, unless your kids are High School age and test well enough to get into Stuyvescant--NYC public school's flagship high school.
</div></div>

Westchester County, NYS, has some of the best public schools in the country. You pay for it though, property taxes are frighteningly high.
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

My boss wanted me to go to the city as a sales trainer back in the mid 80's. I went there. I will make a long story short. That place sucked!! I could not wait to get out of there. The cost of living there is absolutely ridiculous. So I hope you are getting a big raise, you wil need it to live in that GOD forsaken place.

I stayed in Bergen County, the first exit in Jersey across the GW. That place was not as bad as the actual city. But not much worse. I rented a small one bedroom. Icaught the crack head neighbors son in my apartment twice trying to steal things.

If I had to go back I would go over into the New York State part. Right up around Bear Mountain State Park. You can take the rail into the city from that area.

But I would never go back. Just too nice here in WV. And the cost of living here is a fraction of NY. Heck my water and sewage bill combined is less than $40 a month. Tom.
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 19Scout77</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sure there is $$$$$$$ solves everything!!
smile.gif


If you can afford it and are considering Jersey, I would suggest some of the nicer areas of Bergen County, NJ.


SInce you mentioned children, schools are an issue. Being a big education fan, IMO there are a limited number of public school systems in NJ where I would feel comfortable educating my kids. Private school is pretty much a requirement--so factor that into your COL. If you want public schools there are a few in Bergen County, and Someset County NJ also has some good schools--but is more of a commute.

Public school in NYC is risky, unless your kids are High School age and test well enough to get into Stuyvescant--NYC public school's flagship high school.
</div></div>

Yep, this is pretty much on the mark. I went to high school in Mendham NJ, it's about 60 min from NYC and a lot of my friends' parents used to work in the city. They'd pickup a train from Jersey City or another place in Northern NJ. Bergen County has excellent public schools as does Morris County NJ.

I also grew up in Easton PA and the drive from Easton to Mendham was about 50min with no traffic, some days it could run upwards of 90 min. Living in PA is not much of an option if you want to keep your commute inside 60min each way.

I'm sure there's a bunch of guys on this place that are in PA and wouldn't mind having someone tag along some shoots. Currently my primary club has guys that pay the ammo bill and come to all kinds of matches because they can't own certain things in NYC or NJ. Once you finally do get to own your rifles here then it's still better to go PA side of the Delaware River to shoot.

When you get over here send me a PM and plan a weekend day that you can drive out to Lancaster County PA, I'll take you out to scratch the itchy trigger finger.
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

Thanks guys, very generous of you in your replies and interest. Kids are both under 3-yrs so I don't have to worry too much about schools just yet but having got them down for good ones in London it sucks having to up and move. London is so god damn expensive too, 50% income tax, a few more % for local taxes, 20% sales tax on everything, petrol pushing over $2 per litre and utility bills going through the roof. Seriously, i'd bet you don't keep more than 30% net of taxes and basic utility bills and that's before mortgage, car, food. This country is so heavily in debt it isn't true.

Appreciate NYC won't be much better but i do think it possible to live cheaper in the US (or at least i'm kidding myself that i can). At least rifles and shooting supplies will be a fraction of those in the UK where the most basic factory 308 ammo runs at $1.20-50 a round and no that ain't FGMM so I will be looking to up my activity and hopefully get to travel around the US and try different ranges and competitions.
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

Yeah, I'm no masochist so I avoid the tides when it comes to NYC travel. 7pm-7am is the window for a painless 1 hour trip past Easton.

So Scout, for the record, thats 1 hour from PA border to tunnel tollbooth on the most off peak of times. A Ferrari would be nice but most cars go 65-70mph without too much effort.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fargo007</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

There's no easy answer to this.

--Fargo007 </div></div>

I'll add the disclaimer that I don't seek work/life in NYC for this reason.

However, not to sound too cliché "when there is a will there is a way"
Best luck!
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

Don't forget about CT. Semi autos that don't have to be prebans, suppressors, and no mag restrictions
smile.gif


It ain't perfect but it's better than NY or NJ. Hey that should be our new State motto LOL
wink.gif
 
Re: Coming to America !!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TJ.</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks guys, very generous of you in your replies and interest. Kids are both under 3-yrs so I don't have to worry too much about schools just yet but having got them down for good ones in London it sucks having to up and move. London is so god damn expensive too, 50% income tax, a few more % for local taxes, 20% sales tax on everything, petrol pushing over $2 per litre and utility bills going through the roof. Seriously, i'd bet you don't keep more than 30% net of taxes and basic utility bills and that's before mortgage, car, food. This country is so heavily in debt it isn't true.

Appreciate NYC won't be much better but i do think it possible to live cheaper in the US (or at least i'm kidding myself that i can). At least rifles and shooting supplies will be a fraction of those in the UK where the most basic factory 308 ammo runs at $1.20-50 a round and no that ain't FGMM so I will be looking to up my activity and hopefully get to travel around the US and try different ranges and competitions. </div></div>

Ditto here brother! Federal, state, and city taxes (NYC has its own special taxes for city residents) will probably come in at about the same as what you are paying in London. NYC is expensive too. Day care for preschool can cost anywhere from $15k to $30k a year.