According to a report by Nikita Biryukov for the New Jersey Monitor, the number of applications for handgun carry permits in New Jersey has soared to unprecedented levels. In January alone, 4,282 applications were processed – the highest monthly total in state history.
To put that into perspective, prior to the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, the record for a single month was a mere 102 applications. The court’s ruling stripped New Jersey of its ability to deny permits based on subjective standards like “justifiable need,” leading to a dramatic shift in how residents view and access their right to carry.
A 99.5% Approval Rate Since Bruen
Stephen Mazzagatti of Martell Training Group further broke down the statistics in a 2025 video, noting that as of March 31, 2025, New Jersey had received 70,428 permit applications – with 70,044 approved and only 380 denied. That’s an approval rate of roughly 99.5%, a complete reversal from the pre-Bruen era when carry permits were nearly impossible to obtain unless the applicant was a security guard or an armored car driver. Mazzagatti emphasized that this sea change demonstrates a newfound willingness among New Jersey residents to take responsibility for their own safety.
The Legal Landscape Before and After Bruen
Before Bruen, New Jersey required applicants to demonstrate a “justifiable need” to carry a handgun outside their home or business. That bar was so high that even professionals like doctors making house calls in dangerous neighborhoods often couldn’t qualify. Mazzagatti recalled that, outside of rare exceptions like kidnapping victims, very few average citizens were ever granted carry permits. But Bruen declared such requirements unconstitutional, compelling New Jersey and similar states to revise their laws.
Public Hesitation Begins to Fade
Scott Bach, executive director of the Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, told Biryukov that many gun owners initially hesitated to apply post-Bruen due to legal uncertainty. “A lot of people initially were reluctant to apply until the dust settled,” he said. But now that courts are beginning to rule on post-Bruen legal challenges, the floodgates appear to be opening. More people are applying with confidence that their rights will be respected – and approved.
Where You Live Still Matters
Interestingly, the increase in carry permits isn’t evenly distributed across the state. Biryukov’s report noted that Republican-leaning counties are far outpacing Democratic strongholds in per-capita applications. For example, Sussex County, a rural, conservative area, has issued about 13.8 permits per 1,000 residents. In contrast, densely populated and liberal Hudson County has seen only 2.4 permits per 1,000. Statewide, the average is 6.1 permits per 1,000 residents.
Renewals Begin as Initial Permits Expire
New Jersey’s carry permits are valid for two years, and the first wave of post-Bruen permits is now up for renewal. So far, the state has reported 1,465 renewal applications, a number expected to rise steeply in the coming months. Mazzagatti noted that as the state begins compiling more thorough data, it’s likely that renewals will account for a growing portion of total applications moving forward.
The State’s “Sensitive Places” Law Still Looms
Despite the dramatic uptick in permit approvals, significant legal barriers remain. Governor Phil Murphy signed a law in December 2022 heavily restricting where permit holders can carry, including parks, bars, hospitals, and even their own vehicles. A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against parts of the law, but the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated enforcement while the case is pending. Mazzagatti described these restrictions as “anti-carry laws,” calling them overly broad and rooted in fear rather than public safety.
Predicting the Future: One Million Gun Owners?
Bach estimates that New Jersey is home to roughly one million gun owners. Given that fewer than 100,000 carry permits have been issued so far, there’s still massive potential for growth. He believes as legal uncertainties are resolved and carrying a firearm becomes culturally normalized, permit applications will continue to rise. “As New Jersey catches up with the rest of the country… you’re going to see more and more people doing it,” Bach told Biryukov.
Permit Demand Still Trails Initial Predictions
Interestingly, the actual number of permit applications remains far below initial state projections. Then–State Police Superintendent Col. Pat Callahan had predicted up to 200,000 carry applications after Bruen. With fewer than 75,000 submitted so far, the state is moving in that direction, but at a slower pace than anticipated. Still, the rate of increase over the past year suggests the curve is steepening.
Gun Crime Continues to Fall
Contrary to Democratic predictions that more guns would mean more violence, gun crime in New Jersey has actually declined since Bruen. Biryukov reported that shooting victims dropped to 778 in 2024, the lowest number since the state began keeping records in 2009. Officials credit increased funding for violence intervention and expanded inter-agency coordination, though they continue to warn that the “true” impact of Bruen might not be felt for several more years.
Responsible Gun Ownership on the Rise
Mazzagatti ended his video with a powerful observation: the explosion in carry permits signals that many New Jersey residents are committed to responsible gun ownership. Even in the face of aggressive restrictions, they are following the law, submitting their applications, and completing necessary training. “This is a good sign,” he said, urging viewers to spread the word that carry permits are now available to everyday citizens who meet the legal criteria.
A Constitutional Shift in Culture
Ultimately, what we’re witnessing in New Jersey is more than just a policy change – it’s a cultural transformation. For decades, residents were taught to view gun ownership and especially concealed carry as fringe, dangerous, or inaccessible. But with the Supreme Court reinforcing the right to bear arms, and gun owners responding with cautious enthusiasm, New Jersey is beginning to resemble the broader American landscape – one where civil liberties apply equally across state lines. The numbers don’t lie: New Jerseyans want their rights back, and they’re finally getting them.
Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.