How many of you have been delayed?

[Nil]

I was quite excited this afternoon by the Dunham's counter when I saw a pristine Yugo 24/47 Mauser sitting in the display case. The stock was dark with only a handful of minor dings, the bore and rifling was pretty much perfect and the hardware had almost 100% bluing. I filled out the form (correctly), handed it to the employee and then walked around the store while he has on the phone. I came back a few minutes later right before he hung up and he comments that I've been delayed. My excitement turned to annoyance and I sulked off without my new rifle.

This is my fifth firearm purchase and the second time I'm been delayed. The first gun I bought, a Yugo SKS, I had no problems with. With the second, a Ruger 10/22, I was delayed one day. The third and fourth were handguns and thus subject to a 48 hour waiting period, so I can't comment on any potential background check delays there. So really, I've been delayed two out of the three times that I could have theoretically walked away with the gun that day.

Now I'm just wondering if this is a common occurrence, so thus the title of this thread: how many times have you been delayed?

 

[BADUNAME13]

I havn't... but then I have frequent flyer miles.

 

[bogie]

It's a weekend. I'll bet that they're short-staffed (at their busiest hours...), because That Is The Way Of The Bureacracy.

Also, I know it's not required by law, but a social security number, if you've got a common name, works wonders.

 

[dralarms]

I was delayed once, My lgs got on the phone to find out why and suddenly I was approved.

 

[Nil]

Also, I know it's not required by law, but a social security number, if you've got a common name, works wonders.

My name is far from common. In fact, I'd be incredibly surprised if more than a handful of people in the US had my name even taking into account spelling variations. With that being said, I still put down my social security number for every transaction.

Does anyone know if they check extra for people of non-white descent? Being of mixed heritage, I marked my races down as Asian and white.

 

[Gator]

I get delayed EVERY darn time....there must be some miscreant out there with a similar name as mine

But since I live in an occupied state, with a three day waiting period, the delay doesn't matter all that much.

 

[66912]

Due to a legal issue many, many moons ago, I was delayed everytime I went to purchase a firearm. I was informed by my FFL that all I had to do was contact ATF and they would give me a bypass code to curtail future issue's. Believe it or not, the person I dealt with at ATF was curtious and very prompt to change my situation. I have not had a issue since.

 

[Sisco]

I'm "delayed" every time. It's always been approved during the same phone call but they have to transfer the call to someone else.
No clue what the deal is.

 

[Clipper]

I've been delayed 80% of my transactions. I never give my SS#...Not because of the govt types, but because I can't be certain the store's copy will not be compromised somehow.

 

[davera]

I've been delayed several times, probably for a 1973 situation that the politicians call "youthful experimentation" But of the last year, 4 rifles, no delays. One guy told me that there are two levels at NICS - the first is a quick one (a friend usually gets a proceed at the last digit of his SSN) and a second "further review". I think I'm now getting approved in the second stage.

Funny story - when I got my CCW, I went to pick it up and overheard some conversation from the back as they were apparently finishing up the paperwork from the background check "...marijuana conviction in 1973..." was what I heard. Still got the CCW. Guess it helps to have a clean record after that.

 

[MikeFF]

I get delayed every time any where from 10 mins to 2 hours, from an incident in daytona during bike week, 1989 , officially I was having too much fun!

 

[floridaboy]

I get delayed every time and end up waiting 3 days.

 

[GRB]

Does anyone know if they check extra for people of non-white descent?

Oh please...

 

[RangerVA]

I have never had to wait over a minute or two. I have been in gunshops where one or sometimes two folks are put on hold ahead of me and I clear instantly this has angered other customers who had to wait for a callback. Of course I have never been in trouble except for a seat belt ticket in 98

 

[Nil]

Oh please...

It was a serious question and apparently, determined through the answers that were more informative than yours, it appears to not be the case. My experience in airports and with police can lead me to no other conclusion than that race does account for law enforcement decisions so it does make a certain amount of sense that it may be a factor in background checks.

 

[Hoppy590]

iv never been delayed, lucky me. and im suprised. i figured atleast one hold up.

 

[Kaylee]

Just once .. some chick with a similar name in my state has Been a Very Bad Girl.

Since I started putting my social on the 4473 - no delays.

-K

 

[TCB in TN]

Couple of weeks ago I went in and I filled out the paperwork, guy was typing things into his computer as I was filling out the paperwork. Handed me the thumb print card and when I handed it to him, he handed me my gun and I was on my way. Has been that way in the last 3 shops I have been in. Not a fan of the back ground check, but for me at least it has been relatively painless.

 

[220_Swift]

I've been delayed every single time since I was 18, which is the past 12 years. Another "gentleman" in my state, with the same first name, middle initial, and last name is a very bad boy. Even with my SS#, I am delayed. But, they usually call back within 15-20 minutes. I just let the dealer know about it ahead of time if I haven't done business their before. It doesn't bother me too much since I have to wait 24 hours for a long gun, and 36 hours for a handgun.

 

[Primersinmyshoe]

I've never been delayed, and they've had almost 30 chances. Working at a gun shop, and calling in a few NICS myself I can agree that a SS # really helps. I have seen several customers get delayed. One local fellow didn't know how to spell his last name - what a dufus. I spent a half an hour with one customer, finally decided which gun to buy. He ended up being denied. Funny thing was he had a Permit to Acquire from his local sheriff.

 

[TallPine]

Only when the "system was down" (ended up being 24 hrs and another 100 mile round trip to town)

 

[Leitmotif]

*chuckle*

Speak to me when you're forced to wait a year and a half to get a license... for *each* gun you buy.

You guys are so damn lucky...

 

[Dr. Dickie]

Leitmotif,
All I can say is wow!
I cannot imagine, I do not want to be able to imagine; however, you have my wishes to things will improve.

 

[MD_Willington]

I have...

...but I kind of expected it since I'm here in the USA on a green card. Even when I purchase a pistol and have my carry permit, I still have a 2 day wait.

I'm in no hurry, so it doesn't bother me.

 

[Young gun]

I took my little brother out to help him buy his first rifle.

He was really excited then got delayed. He was really confused and worried. partially b/c he had just decided to go into the Navy and was worried a mix up would keep him out or delay him from joining up.

The owner and i both told him not to worry, but not being exposed to the intracasies of the backround check he didn't know what to make of it. But by the time we got home the store called with the all clear.