4473 NICS Background Checks Question

[sharpshooterassassin]

Has anybody gotten countless delays from NICS background checks when trying to purchase a firearm? Requested and filled out a VAF packet with finger prints and then mailed it in and received their UPIN Number? If you get a UPIN number, you still have to get a NICS background check done. But my question is, After you've gotten your UPIN Number, has it been easier to get approved for firearm purchases with any further delays or have you been approved and able to walk out with the firearm the same day?

 

[sharpshooterassassin]

Up here in Alaska even if someone has their CCW, they still have to have a NICS Background Check. It kinda sucks that way but it's a trade off cause we don't have to have a permit to carry a concealed weapon or register our firearms. The only good a CCW up here is good for is Reciprocity of other states. In my case, I've just been delayed countless times with absolutely no record at all. So I called the NICS customer service hotline and requested a VAF packet, filled it out and got a choppy of my finger prints done and sent the packet in. Now I wait for 117 days give or take. If I pass which I know I will, they will send me a UPIN number to where when I do a NICS background check, I give the FFL my UPIN number to put on the 4473 form and then NICS will be able to decipher who I am a lot easier I am hoping. And that way I won't be constantly delayed.

 

[ShadowsEye]

I was told that most of the delays are caused by people who refuse to put their SSN on the form (it's optional); my tin foil hat isn't that tight so I've never been delayed.

 

[rule303]

I have had just as many people get delayed with a SSN on the form as without. Usually those with a UPIN will get a "proceed" right away, but it is not a guarantee. If there is something in your record, such as a DUI or other minor crime, which in some circumstances may be a felony, it will go to further review. Depending on the NICS workload, this may result in a delay, even with a UPIN.

 

[sharpshooterassassin]

I've always put my SS# on the 4473 form hoping it would help decypher who I am. I've never been in trouble with the law, only a fix it ticket for a headlight over 20 years ago. The only thing I can think of is that I have a very common first and last name. Since FFL's are doing the new 4473 form now, I've been getting delayed up to 3 weeks from only a day or two with the old form. I don't know if the change in the 4473 form has anything to do with it but it seems like it. I finally found a store here in Alaska that has a 3 business day policy so the longest i have to wait is until Friday if i go in On a Monday to purchase a firearm. I'm just hoping with the UPIN #, I won't be getting delayed as much or if any.

 

[bikemutt]

I don't know if this will help but since I got my UPIN over a year ago I have never been delayed (or denied ) on a NCIS check that's called in over the phone. E-check is another matter. Over the last month I did:

NICS e-check, delayed 2.5 days.
NICS phone-in, instant.
NICS e-check, delayed 2 minutes.
NICS e-check, delayed 2.5 days.

Prior to that the only delay I ever had was also an E-Check which was about 5 minutes and done months ago.

I find if I get an E-check in the afternoon I'm doomed to be delayed, if I get it done early in the day it's not, or so short to be inconsequential. Maybe this has to do with the fact I'm on the west coast.

I have a little dice game going with my e-check FFLs, it's called proceed or delay, gotta have something to chuckle over

 

[sharpshooterassassin]

What's the difference between a Background Check over the phone and an E-Check over the computer? I'm pretty sure all the background checks that I've had done on me, I've always see them call it over the phone.

 

[Trent]

What good does filling in the SSN do?

When I had my FFL, it was NOT even an OPTIONAL field of entry when I phoned in background checks, and never ONCE was I asked for it by the state police on any delayed approvals. The only thing I ever had to provide was FOID #/Birthdate/Handgun or Longgun.

Don't know how it works in other states with "true" NICS checks, though. Do those give you the "option" of entering your SSN??

In Illinois that's a useless field on the 4473 and NO ONE fills it out (to the best of my knowledge.)

 

[bikemutt]

What's the difference between a Background Check over the phone and an E-Check over the computer? I'm pretty sure all the background checks that I've had done on me, I've always see them call it over the phone.

NICS e-check information.

http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/nics/federal-firearms-licensees/e-check

 

[bikemutt]

What good does filling in the SSN do?

If a person has no FBI criminal record but has characteristics similar to someone who does, like the same or similar name, the SS# may be helpful to prevent falsely denying the transfer. The FBI doesn't have the SS# of the good guys, but it sure does for the not-so-good guys.

 

[SavageManAntonio]

When I sold firearms part-time for a second job we always called in the checks. I never had someone with the PIN delayed. However, there was a noticeable difference between when the SS# was there and when it was not.

I personally have been delayed every time I did not provide it. I tried not to, however, because the records were kept indefinitely. I did not and still do not want my SS# floating around. So even though it does not stay in the NICS system for each check done the forms were kept by the store - in an unlocked filing cabinet then in a box.

So I don't think anyone can say you will not be delayed if you have the PIN. Besides, some delays happen just because the call center is backed-up at the moment the phone call comes in so delaying gives them time during slow periods to check it.

 

[mgkdrgn]

I've always put my SS# on the 4473 form hoping it would help decypher who I am. I've never been in trouble with the law, only a fix it ticket for a headlight over 20 years ago. The only thing I can think of is that I have a very common first and last name. Since FFL's are doing the new 4473 form now, I've been getting delayed up to 3 weeks from only a day or two with the old form. I don't know if the change in the 4473 form has anything to do with it but it seems like it. I finally found a store here in Alaska that has a 3 business day policy so the longest i have to wait is until Friday if i go in On a Monday to purchase a firearm. I'm just hoping with the UPIN #, I won't be getting delayed as much or if any.

The paper form has nothing to do with how long your delay is ... there is no -new- info that is provided to NICS from the 4473.

If you were "delayed 3 weeks", that has NOTHING to do with NICS, as their release is after 3 business days if no response. As you mentioned, you found another shop that only waited 3 days ... that was a store policy thing, not a NICS policy/rule thing.

Getting the UPIN -can't- hurt, so why not give it a try?

 

[sharpshooterassassin]

I am waiting for the results of sending in my VAF packet and finger print card. 117 days is the wait time when I sent the packet and finger prints. It would put it around the first week of December. I know I'll pass cause I have nothing on my record except a very common first and last name. Hopefully I'll get the UPIN # sooner than that. If not, I'll have a reason to get myself an early Christmas present!