While I have no reason or willingness to visit to visit or live in NJ, as a thought exercise I sometimes think about what I would carry there if I were legally able to do so. I think I'd be happy with any of the following:
-HK45c with flat nose FMJ
-G30 with flat nose FMJ
-Short Barrel S&W or Ruger .44 Mag loaded with .44 Special full wadcutters (or S&W Model 21 in .44 Special)
-Short barrel S&W Model 25 or Ruger Redhawk (discontinued) in .45 Colt loaded with .45 Colt full wadcutters
-S&W 625 in .45 ACP loaded with full wadcutters
-GP100 7 shot loaded with hot .38/mild .357 full wadcutters, or S&W Model 627 8 shot loaded with the same.
I know there are arguments that expanding loads such as Critical Defense with the elastomer insert in the tip or Federal EFMJ are technically legal, but without a doubt such loads would make a NJ prosecutor water at the mouth even more. I don't think I would feel undergunned with any of the above options in NJ or any other location for that matter.
If stuck with non-expanding loads, that knocks 9mm completely out of the running for consideration in my book and makes .45 a no-brainer for an autoloader. I could see similar legislation becoming more common at least in certain areas of the US.
If stuck with an autoloader as my only handgun I’d go with a Glock 26 or possibly a HK45C LEM.
From an ammunition effectiveness standpoint, yes, but for some reason small, lightweight 9mm revolvers have been far less pleasant to shoot for me compared to .38. And in general I prefer rimmed revolver cartridges for revolvers with the exception of .45 Auto. It seems like there’s less drama that way. I do like the .45 Auto Rim option, though.
gn
"On the internet, nobody knows if you are a dog... or even a cat."
What I wouldn't do for a Jovino clone, let alone a genuine one. In the right circumstances I'd be very well tempted to commit heresy on a 25-2 anyway and do it, to carry in the exact same manner you describe.
There's a (supposedly original) Jovino on gunbroker right now with 10 bids at $1275, with 3 days and 12 hours left.
...I'm going to have to keep an eye on it now.