Gun shop keeping electronic records

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KevinR
February 9, 2010, 08:40 PM
Can someone tell me if it is legal for a gun shop to keep track of who purchases a gun and log it in on a computer?
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Extremely Pro Gun
February 9, 2010, 08:44 PM
Yes they do. They keep the 4473 for like 20 years.
kingpin008
February 9, 2010, 09:17 PM
Yes, it's legal. Most folks who run gun shops are very aware of what they can and can't do, thanks to the ever-present checkups by the ATF. The records they keep on the computer are exactly the same as the ones you fill out on paper.

As EPG mentioned, those records are kept by the dealer for 20 years, or until they go out of business. In that case, they get sent to the ATF.
brboyer
February 9, 2010, 09:45 PM
Yes, it's legal. Most folks who run gun shops are very aware of what they can and can't do, thanks to the ever-present checkups by the ATF. The records they keep on the computer are exactly the same as the ones you fill out on paper.

As EPG mentioned, those records are kept by the dealer for 20 years, or until they go out of business. In that case, they get sent to the ATF.

Just a small clarification:
They only go to ATF if the licensee goes out of business. After 20 years the dealer may destroy them.
kingpin008
February 9, 2010, 09:49 PM
That's what I said - 20 years, or until they go out of business. Meaning, if they go out of business before 20 years has elapsed, they go to the ATF.
brboyer
February 9, 2010, 10:26 PM
That's what I said - 20 years, or until they go out of business. Meaning, if they go out of business before 20 years has elapsed, they go to the ATF.
Sorry, I did not read carefully enough.
GigaBuist
February 9, 2010, 10:37 PM
Yeah, it's legal. A couple of years ago the ATF pushed out an application that basically computerized the 4473. Had a little feature in it that would export the records for transmission to the ATF. It was free to download so I gave it a spin just to make sure it wasn't secretly dialing back to the ATF and transmitting records on its own as that was the concern some folks had at the time.

Not sure what the adoption rate on that program is. Haven't heard anything about it since then.
KevinR
February 10, 2010, 07:15 PM
Thanks, It was a new one on me. I guess my anti-gun awareness is just working overtime.
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