CCW Background check vs. Standard check for purchases.

[Amadeus]

What is the difference (if any) between the instant NCIC check I undergo when purchasing a handgun and the FBI background check I would need to have if I were to apply for CCW?

I have read posts by other California residents who mention getting their FBI background check for CCW but few elaborate on what that means.

It sounds ominous. Do they dissect your life (interview friends, etc) or is it a basic check to determine whether or not a person falls into a restricted class?

In short -- what's the procedure? I'm curious. Thanks.

 

[cosmos7]

The FBI check is basically just a fingerprint check to see if you have history. When I got my WA CPL, they did it on a card to send in, but I'm sure some states do Livescan instead.

As far as I know, the background check is the same in every state.

 

[Rickstir]

In MO, you have to buy a permit to purchase a concealable gun. It costs $10.00 and depending on where you do it, the process takes from 5 minutes to 7 working days. In my county it is 5 minutes
The process is to fill out a form and they make a phone call to "someone". They give your name and date of birth, if there is information about the weapon they also give that, but it is not required that you furnish make, model and serial number at this time. In reality, you are going to buy a gun and don't know what the facts are yet, like my last purchase. Either way the vendor fills out the bottom part of the form with the gun information.
The new CCW (when the courts rules in our favor ) will add a fingerprint portion. The prints will go to the State Highway Patrol and then on to the FBI. The process is supposed to be completed in 45 days.

 

[tone]

My 2¢

Here in Louisiana, I spent a total $180. 80 for the class and 100 to apply for the permit. Had to fill out *^&%loads of paperwork, fingerprints, the works. Then, it took about 90 days to finally get my permit.
But, when I purchase a firearm it usuallly takes 5 minutes or so. Just a simple phone call.
I think the FBI check is much more intensive. Though they did not interview any of my friends, they do dig quite a bit.

 

[Amadeus]

The FBI check is basically just a fingerprint check to see if you have history

"History"? Okay. We're getting closer. What does the FBI consider history? I used to have a CHL in a state other than the one in which I currently reside. Does that count as "history"?

I remember the process being pretty easy 10-12 years ago. But the world has changed a lot since then.

Other than giving fingerprints is the FBI check for CCW application somehow MORE exhaustive than the check I go through at the gunstore? What are they looking for and why does it take longer than the NCIC check?

I am really curious about this because no one seems to be able to talk about it in anything other than semi-vague terms.

 

[Standing Wolf]

It's my understanding that when you buy a firearm, your driver's license is accepted as sufficiently definite identification. If your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and address come up clean against the F., the B., and the I.'s data base, you're considered clean enough to buy a firearm.

My concealed firearms background check involved sending a set of my finger prints to F., B., and I. headquarters so someone there could a.) verify that I'm who I say I am, then b.) verify that I haven't any felony convictions on record.

Any idiot with $100 can come up with a fake driver's license and social security number, but finger prints are considerably more difficult to fake.