Here in NJ the law requires that you get a permit to purchase for ANY hand gun. Yes, any hand gun includes Cap & Ball, Cartridge, and BB Pistol. The Permit to Purchase is also a registration form, and you must get a seperate permit for each hand gun you buy or trade for. The only way I know of that you can legally take possesion of a hand gun with out one is if you are willed one, and the wording of the will must be specific. Good news is the willed firearm does not have to registered, but keep a copy of the probated will handy just in case you need to prove how you got the gun. Don't think I am being paranoid, if you get robbed or house goes on fire, tree falls on roof, etc., cops Will ask questions, and lawyers are expensive.