shooting an intruder with a borrowed gun.

[Jeeebus]

Not legal, as you are not the Legal Owner of the weapon. You would be charged with illegal possession of a firearm. Possibly also with illegally discharging a firearm. Possibly also with manslaughter or attempted manslaughter. In most states, you need at the very least a Federal Firearms ID card to be able to buy a long gun (rifle / shotguns) .. Here in NJ you also need a Permit to Purchase a Pistol. Another special, hard to get permit, is a Carry Permit here in NJ, as it is a "May Issue" state,so if you are not a LEO or in a risky business (say a jeweler) you will never get it. A lot of of states are "Shall Issue" which allows you to concealed carry. Generally, if you can own the gun, you can use it Inside your property for defense, IF you believe your life is in immient danger.

See NRA.org for more information

http://home.nra.org/#/home

Hypothetical:

You're standing on a street in NJ, talking to a police officer (who happens to be showing you his new shotgun, for whatever reason). Some crazy guy bursts out of a building and starts shooting in your direction, hits the cop, he drops the shotgun. Crazy guy is now running toward you with the gun, keeps shooting...

is it your belief that it would be illegal to pick up the shotgun and shoot the guy?

** feel free to change the setting to your home if you think it makes a difference in terms of castle doctrine.

 

[DrPizza]

In NJ you DO need a Firearms ID Card to buy a Long Gun

I know the laws in MY state, I went thru all the paperwork to buy what I wanted to get.

No shit. And if you read my post, you'll see that I implied that you did need one for NJ. And, I provided a link to a site that says you need one in NJ. My response was to your ridiculous assertion that you need one in most states.

 

[taltamir]

OP... you should really, REALLY buy your own gun. And keep it in your house always.

If you suspect someone is going to break into your house to assault you then contact the police ahead of time. If nothing else, it will provide an excellent defense against any legal trouble down the line. If you can, get a restraining order as well.

it's a shotgun so how are they really going to prove it's not yours? I am positive I am the only owner of mine but don't think there's any way I could prove it.

Heh... it was a gift. and if you shot someone, then it means you will buy a new one as a gift for your friend.
You need a license to carry a concealed weapon outside your home. And it is illegal to carry it unconcealed (with some exceptions).
But no license is needed to own one.

 

[bruceb]

The OP should have given his state initially. Response could then have been given as to the laws in HIS state.

 

[Zebo]

I don't see what diff state makes. If you fear for your life drop em. I'd rather be judged by 12 than buried by 6.

 

[bruceb]

In re to Jeeebus.. in that case you are probably fine, as it would be self defense, in a situation where your life is clearly at risk.