I'm currently 17 years old, and a resident of new jersey. I love shooting though(I go up to the poconos often where family friends let me shoot) and hoped to purchase a rifle when I turn 18 in a month. My mom even agreed to buy me a .22 for my birthday. I became a little bummed out upon hearing from a guy at a hunting shop in pennsylvania that it can take from 6 months to a YEAR just to obtain a firearm ID card, and if you include the safety training courses im going to be taking, that means I wont be touching my first rifle for almost over a year. Does it really take THAT long to obtain a FAID card? and if so, Why? And would If im 17 right now, would I be able to fill out the proper papers and submit them now(I turn 18 in october) or do I have to be 18 to fill them out? Please help! Thanks