Nick: The Firearm ID card has to be issued if you ask....no questions. Once you get it you can purchase as many rifles (long arms) as you'd like and the PD has zero involvement or knowledge.
A chief can give you a hard time but they are legally obligated to signoff if you are not a felon or mentally incapable. The local NRA chapter should be able to assist if you run into interference.
Please read this page:
http://www.njguns.com/permit.htm
" 2C:58-3(f). Purchase of firearms
"...the licensing authority who shall investigate the same and, unless good cause for the denial thereof appears, shall grant the permit or the identification card, or both, if application has been made therefor, within 30 days from the date of receipt of the application for residents of this State and within 45 days for nonresident applicants. A permit to purchase a handgun shall be valid for a period of 90 days from the date of issuance and may be renewed by the issuing authority for good cause for an additional 90 days."
" 2C:58-3(f). Purchase of firearms
"...There shall be no conditions or requirements added to the form or content of the application, or required by the licensing authority for the issuance of a permit or identification card, other than those that are specifically set forth in this chapter. "
"Some municipalities take months to process applications. This is an illegal process
which as been propagated due to the lack of people challenging the system. If you don't
want to wait months for your permit, you don't have to. Take your municipality to court
and demand your application be processed according to State statutes."