NICS Voluntary Appeal File

[stumpers]

Another FYI about NICS

I always like to know times and processes and whatnot, so here's some current info for anyone who is curious or waiting on NICS:

I sent in my application for the VAF on February 7, 2012 and received a letter dated February 23, 2012 stating my application was approved and I have a UPIN (Unique Personal Identification Number). I used the same fingerprint card the FBI returned to me for my successful appeal of a denial, with the VAF they enclosed in my approval letter. My appeal of the denial took four months, which I posted about on THR a couple weeks ago.

The letter also states this does not mean automatic approval from now on, but it does say that if disqualifying information is ever found, I will get a letter stating the reason. This part is important to me due to me being incorrectly labeled a 'prohibited person' last year. If I am ever prohibited again, it seemingly says that I will be informed by NICS...instead of being de facto informed by a denial at the gun counter.

And lastly, I know everyone gripes about NICS, but my experience with them has been a good one, given the circumstances. I wish each state would handle their own firearms like Wisconsin does for handguns, but I have to play the game how it is set up and just wanted to share my experience with NICS and let anyone who is interested know what to expect for processing times with the VAF.

 

[bikemutt]

First off congratulations! I know precisely how you must feel having walked the same road.

However, my understanding of the NICS discovering new prohibitive information is different than yours. What I'm lead to believe is they will promptly shred your VAF, rescind your UPIN and tell you to start all over from square one.

Please be advised your entry in the VAF will not automatically result in a proceed response on subsequent firearm purchase. A complete NICS check will be required on each transaction and may result in a denied status if prohibitive information is discovered. Per the NICS Final Rule, Title 28, Code of Federal Regulations, your information will be deleted from the VAF. You will be notified by mail if this situation ever occurs.

So yeah, you will be notified by mail alright, but it's not going to be good news

 

[stumpers]

Thanks!

I understand it to mean what you said; I just said it poorly. I agree that a disqualification would end my VAF and then I would be notified of the situation.

All in all, at least I would know before attempting a purchase if I ever became prohibited again. Not buying the FN SLP on clearance for $649 was bad enough on its own, but the way the Gander Mountain staff embarrassed me in front of other patrons was the icing on the cake.

Or would my attempt to purchase generate the the search for new info that would be prohibitive? I just really never again want to stand there at the counter and hear I am denied.

 

[bikemutt]

All in all, at least I would know before attempting a purchase if I ever became prohibited again. Not buying the FN SLP on clearance for $649 was bad enough on its own, but the way the Gander Mountain staff embarrassed me in front of other patrons was the icing on the cake.

Or would my attempt to purchase generate the the search for new info that would be prohibitive? I just really never again want to stand there at the counter and hear I am denied.

You have nothing to be concerned about going forward in my opinion. The NICS has connected the dots with your VAF, your UPIN is the key which lets the next examiner know this road has been covered, move along. Now if they discover a pattern of financing gun purchases by holding up 7-Elevens, that would be new prohibitive information and will result in disqualification, VAF shredding etc. I'm kidding about the 7-Eleven holdups of course.

With respect to a gun counter transaction, nothing will be any different with respect to the NICS; it's proceed, delay or deny, period.

I'm sorry you were poorly treated and embarrassed, there is no good reason for their behavior. The gun store I dealt with was the opposite; they appeared as confounded by the denial as I was and stuck with me until it was resolved. Maybe this is a shameless plug but Wade's Guns in Bellevue, WA did right by me when the chips were down.