Is A NICS Check Really This Arbitrary?

[knljr]

The last time I bought a gun, a shotgun, was when I was in college...about 20 years ago...until a few weeks ago. (and, I'm pretty sure I didn't have to do any federal paperwork or get a background check when I bought it...)

I went to McBride's here in Austin and bought a HK P30. I was delayed and they called me back late the next afternoon saying I got a 'proceed' and to come pick up my gun.

Today I stopped by and bought a Glock G36 and a SIG P238. As I'm filling out all the paperwork, I tell the guy that I'll see him in a few days because I know I'm going to get delayed. He takes the paperwork back...I mill around the store for about 10 minutes...he comes back and says, "Hey, it's your lucky day!". I got a proceed and left with my two new guns.

Is the initial delay/proceed process really that arbitrary?

Either way, glad it worked out that way - but kinda annoying not knowing when I go in (until I get my CHL, that is) that it's a crap shoot on whether I'll leave with my stuff or not...

[G.A. Heath]

A delay could be caused by technical issues (The operator spilled coffee in their keyboard or a database is not responding to queries) or a number of other reasons. Those conditions may exist one time you make a purchase but not another.

[OldCannon]

NICS checks are good for 30 days. All you would have to do is basically fill out the 4473.

[kjolly]

Normally its just a phone check done at the store or FFL at the time of purchase. quick and usually painless.
If you have a CHL it's even easier because they don't have to make the call.

[Bob in Big D]

I bought my PF-9 at McBrides and all I had to do is fill out the paperwork and show my CHL. Walked out with my new carry gun in about 20 minutes.

[knljr]

yeah, i asked the sales guy there if they honor the CHL in that way as I heard/read that some FFL's will still run the NICS even with a CHL.

He said they do - all they need is the CHL number on the form and you're good. I'm on my way to getting mine...got everything scheduled and just waiting on some paperwork... Hopefully I'll have my plastic before the end of the year.

[boba]

Either way, glad it worked out that way - but kinda annoying not knowing when I go in (until I get my CHL, that is) that it's a crap shoot on whether I'll leave with my stuff or not...

What did you expect from the feds? The whole thing violates the Tenth Amendment anyway.

[puma guy]

The last time I bought a gun, a shotgun, was when I was in college...about 20 years ago...until a few weeks ago. (and, I'm pretty sure I didn't have to do any federal paperwork or get a background check when I bought it...)

The completion of a Form 4473 for sale of a firearm by a retailer or dealer or even a pawn shop has been a requirement since 1968 so if you purchased the shotgun from any outlet other than an individual it would've been required. In the beginning there was no check. The rules and background checks evolved through the years to todays "instant" background check. With a CHL you will bypass the check, but still have to complete the form. Thankfully, some of the more onerous requirements of the Gun Control Act of 1968 have changed or disappeared. We had to log every sale of pistol ammunition including .22 RF. No firearms sales to out of state buyers were allowed, either. I wish it would all go away, but at least it's improved somewhat.

[Beiruty]

So now you have sig a glock an HK. A comparo review is in order.

[tommyg]

I was delayed once they said delayed then the gun store called me a few hours later and told me to pick up my gun

The delay was probably caused by a computer malfunction I did not make a big deal of it.

[knljr]

So now you have sig a glock an HK. A comparo review is in order.

HA! Well, they are all very different, that's for sure. No question though the H&K is my favorite...and I didn't even realize how damn good it was until I bought the other two. If you don't have $1k to part with, don't go shoot one. I'm pretty sure a H&K 45c is my future...

The jury is still out on the Glock 36 for me. It's a great pistol, no doubt, I just didn't get that comfortable with it on the first 100 rounds I put through it at the range after I bought it. Time will tell...

The P238 is just for fun - it's such a great little gun. I love the trigger on it - DA/SA on a small 380 like that is pretty cool. My thought is that it will be my 'gym shorts' carry when I get my CHL. It comes with a little holster and I've tried it with a couple different casual outfits and it conceals well - and weighs next to nothing...can't even tell it's there.

[HankB]

. . . Today I stopped by and bought a Glock G36 and a SIG P238 . . .

I believe McBride's was required to send the BATmen a special report on you as a multiple handgun purchaser . . . congrats, you're now on the Fed's "special" radar.

[knljr]

HAHA - well, I've bought three in a month's time...

Is there really a special discussion for anyone buying more than one gun at a time?

[G.A. Heath]

HAHA - well, I've bought three in a month's time...

Is there really a special discussion for anyone buying more than one gun at a time?

Federal law requires that an FFL report (to local LEOs and the Feds) if a customer purchases more than 1 handgun in a 5 business day period (basically its a week). The Osama, I mean Obama administration has illegally issued a regulatory fiat requiring that dealers in the southern border states also report multiple sales of semi-auto centerfire long guns in a five day period.

[knljr]

Sweet. I'll keep an eye out for my 'wanted' poster on the streets of Austin.

What a crock.