• A number of handguns are legal in New Jersey.a weapon image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
  
  New Jersey has a wide variety of legal handguns that can be carried by its citizens, ranging from pistols to revolvers. Which handgun you want to carry depends greatly on what you are planning on using it for and how often you are planning on using it. Everyone who owns a handgun in New Jersey must also have a permit to carry it.
  
  

.380 Pistol

• The .380 pistol is a handgun that is relatively small but packs a real punch. These guns weigh about 23 ounces, though the models vary slightly by size and are easy to conceal, but legally they cannot be concealed unless the state has permitted you to conceal a handgun. The gun is loaded with a clip that holds from eight to 12 bullets. The guns has a number of different finishes on the outside, from silver to matte to duotone.
  
  

Glock 17 Pistol

• Glock 17 pistols are common-sized heavy pistols that fire 10- to 17-shot clips of nine-millimeter bullets and are carried by law enforcement officers around New Jersey and the country as well. This handgun is legal within the state with the proper carry permit. These pistols also come in a variety of different finishes, from green to matte to silver. There are three safeties on the handgun, helping to keep anyone from firing the gun when he is not supposed to. Additions such as laser and night sights are also available for this handgun. A variety of other Glock pistols are also available for purchase within New Jersey.
  
  

Smith & Wesson Revolvers

• Revolvers are different type of handgun. The bullets are loaded into the revolving portion of the gun itself, rather then a clip. These handguns are the classic sidearms for people to carry. Smith & Wesson has been making and selling revolvers for over 150 years. Some of these smaller revolvers have little to no kick when fired and are relatively light for a handgun, making them perfect for someone who is smaller and not accustomed to using handguns. From these smaller guns, there is also the powerful .357 Magnum, which is a heavy, lethal pistol that fires seven shots before having to be reloaded. Revolvers are the handguns that make some of the most sense for home defense.