NICS can't tell me decision on appeal, says go see dealer

[arffemt]

Hi i'm new here but had a question about a nics appeal. A while back I went to purchase a handgun and was denied by NICS. I filed an appeal a while back. Today I called to check the status and the NICS person said to they can't tell me the decision over the phone but that I should "go talk to the firearms dealer". I really don't want to waste the dealers time if i'm going to be denied again, but I am eager to see him if the outcome was good.

So my question is, does this sound like my appeal was successful or is this what NICS tells everbody that calls for a status check?

 

[dogtown tom]

arffemt Hi i'm new here but had a question about a nics appeal. A while back I went to purchase a handgun and was denied by NICS. I filed an appeal a while back. Today I called to check the status and the NICS person said to they can't tell me the decision over the phone but that I should "go talk to the firearms dealer". I really don't want to waste the dealers time if i'm going to be denied again, but I am eager to see him if the outcome was good.

So my question is, does this sound like my appeal was successful or is this what NICS tells everbody that calls for a status check?

How long ago was "a while back"? If less than 150 days you likely will not have a decision yet.

NICS is correct, they cannot and will not tell anyone over the phone the reason for a denial or an update on an appeal. (in your initial request NICS makes it clear that all inquiries must be in writing via mail, fax or email)

It is puzzling why they would have said to talk to the dealer....he has no say in the matter and NICS doesn't keep him updated.

Once your appeal is upheld, NICS will mail you documentation to take to the dealer. He will then call NICS to verify the status.

 

[bsctov]

NICS is forbidden from giving out any sort of information over the phone. I had a situation once where I was delayed for a .22 rifle at Dick's, and I called NICS (Not knowing my transaction was already proceeded because no one bothered to call me.) and she wasn't allowed to tell me one way or the other, but she was strongly hinting for me to go back to the store, and sure enough...it was all ready.


They like to take as-long as possible with the appeals, I'm assuming they are trying to make buying guns more hassle then its worth to some people.

 

[arffemt]

Thanks for the replies

@ dogtown tom, I ca't remember the day that I mailed the stuff to NICS but it has been less than 150 days. However she did say that a decision had been made by NICS. I also thought it was strange that she told me to talk to the dealer.

@bsctov I hope that her telling me to go see the dealer is a strong hint that things worked out.

 

[bikemutt]

If your appeal was upheld you will receive a letter from the NICS appeal services team along with a certificate made out in the FFLs business name allowing you to receive the firearm. When you show up with the certificate the FFL will call in a new NICS check letting them know he has the certificate. NICS will still conduct another background check and assuming nothing has changed, the transfer should be proceeded. The dealer will be encouraged to keep the certificate in his/her records.

The only reason I can imagine NICS told you to "go see the dealer" is because you asked them a question they don't know the answer to and the agent figured maybe the gun dealer knows. I would put zero stock in the recommendation and certainly would not correlate it to a likely proceed.

 

[nulook45]

Nics fail

All depends on why they denied you it can take up to 6 months to get a written answer i guess you have been arrested for something they didnt like or someone with the same name as you has been . alot of folks arrested for Domestic violence that was later dropped have been denied because when NiCs checks you out they run you thru L.E,A,D,S it doesnt matter if you were ever convicted or not just if you were ever charged . you then apeal this and if they are in a good mood you get your gun if not too bad . this is not what they do everytime and as usual everyone is different but ya never know

Hitler said gun control was easy if everyone was a criminal

 

[dogtown tom]

nulook45 All depends on why they denied you it can take up to 6 months to get a written answer

Nope.
"The NICS Section’s Appeal Services Team (AST) will respond to your initial appeal request by providing you with the general reason for denial within five business days of the receipt of your inquiry."
http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/nics/appeals/nics_appeals_brochure_eng

i guess you have been arrested for something they didnt like or someone with the same name as you has been . alot of folks arrested for Domestic violence that was later dropped have been denied because when NiCs checks you out they run you thru L.E,A,D,S it doesnt matter if you were ever convicted or not just if you were ever charged .

Thats Federal law.

you then apeal this and if they are in a good mood you get your gun if not too bad . this is not what they do everytime and as usual everyone is different but ya never know

"Good mood" has nothing to do with it.

Hitler said gun control was easy if everyone was a criminal

Doubtful

 

[smalls]

Maybe they were giving you a hint, like Bsctov.

It's worth the drive out to the shop to see if they know anything, right?

 

[Sam1911]

Drifting pretty far away from the topic.

 

[Frank Ettin]

Sam just beat me to it. And you'll notice some posts have disappeared. Learn to stay focused, folks.