has there been a change in brady checks?

[gunsmith]

 I was in an AZ pawn shop checking on how much I owe and noticed that they used a computer to run the brady for a guy
getting his gun back, it was "delayed" and the guy had left when the approval came in.
Later I was just browsing a gunshop I ran across and was chatting with the guy behind the counter, I asked him if it was like
NV, where if you call brady unit in the morning its faster than afternoon when they're swamped.
he said it has switched to a federal brady check and is done by computer only, that the entire country does it this way
and people with common last names often get delayed a few days.

I thought  brady checks were handled state to state, not in some central DC location, seems like a great way to fubar
gun sales without leglislation.

I hadn't heard of this before
gunstore myth or fact?

[MikeB]

Myth sort of. Depends on the State, so that part is definitely wrong. I know in PA the 'calls' go to PICS (PA Insta Check System). I do think PA may have an online method now vs. actual Phone call, maybe there is a Federal online one as well for those states that use the Federal system vs. their own.

[TommyGunn]

In Alabama  they do the 4473 over computer, or atleast have that option.   Also if you have a CCW  permit they can use that instead on the  4473.

[AJ Dual]

In WI handguns go to the WI DOJ call center, and long guns go to the national FBI NICS hotline.

[Triphammer]

In Alabama  they do the 4473 over computer, or atleast have that option.   Also if you have a CCW  permit they can use that instead on the  4473.

I've heard that the 4473 had gone electronic. In Az a CCW can replace the NICS check but I thought the 4473 was an FFL requirement and had to happen, regardless.

[wmenorr67]

I've heard that the 4473 had gone electronic. In Az a CCW can replace the NICS check but I thought the 4473 was an FFL requirement and had to happen, regardless.

The 4473 can be done on a computer but they still have to print out documents for signatures and then submit via computer or phone call, depending on the state for the NICS.

The 4473 on the computer is an option and sometimes not available.

[lee n. field]

I was in an AZ pawn shop checking on how much I owe and noticed that they used a computer to run the brady for a guy
getting his gun back, it was "delayed" and the guy had left when the approval came in.
Later I was just browsing a gunshop I ran across and was chatting with the guy behind the counter, I asked him if it was like
NV, where if you call brady unit in the morning its faster than afternoon when they're swamped.
he said it has switched to a federal brady check and is done by computer only, that the entire country does it this way
and people with common last names often get delayed a few days.

I thought  brady checks were handled state to state, not in some central DC location, seems like a great way to fubar
gun sales without leglislation.

I hadn't heard of this before
gunstore myth or fact?

In Illinois, the mandate background check is a call to state police number, give the buyer's FOID, say if it's handgun or long gun, and get told.  There's a web site now for us lowly end users to use, since we're supposed to do it too now.  (Always were supposed to check.)

4473 last time I did one was the same old paper sheet.

[MechAg94]

In Texas, I thought they called the national background check number.  We don't have our own state system.  I recall that Bass Pro Shops had me fill out the 4473 form on a computer, but I thought they still called it in when necessary.  I have had a CHL for a while now so it doesn't come up.  When I see people buying at the guns shows, everyone is filling out forms by hand and calling in the information. 

[MillCreek]

Earlier this year, I bought a Ruger Blackhawk at a LGS, and it was the first time I had bought a handgun at a LGS for probably three years or so.  I filled out the 4473 on a computer and then the LGS staff called a number, and I assume it was the national number for the instant check.  Washington recently changed state law to require a NICS background check for all firearms sales; it used to be you were exempt from the instant check if you had a CCW. 

[Hawkmoon]

Myth sort of. Depends on the State, so that part is definitely wrong. I know in PA the 'calls' go to PICS (PA Insta Check System). I do think PA may have an online method now vs. actual Phone call, maybe there is a Federal online one as well for those states that use the Federal system vs. their own.

Yes, PA calls go to PICS. In Connecticut, calls go to the CT State Police. Not all states use the federal NICS call center.

[Frank Castle]

I have used both in last few months, paper and computer. It seems to depend on the dealer and they still called in for the background check. (who they call not sure )

I also use my SSN on the form and never had issue with delays.   

[RevDisk]

Myth sort of. Depends on the State, so that part is definitely wrong. I know in PA the 'calls' go to PICS (PA Insta Check System). I do think PA may have an online method now vs. actual Phone call, maybe there is a Federal online one as well for those states that use the Federal system vs. their own.

PA is talking about saving money about getting rid of PICS and moving to NICS. I'm leery of that, I prefer not relying on NICS. Single points of failure are not good things.

To concur with AZtoy, putting on your SSN lessens the risk of the delay. But includes potential for identity theft.

[Hawkmoon]

PA is talking about saving money about getting rid of PICS and moving to NICS. I'm leery of that, I prefer not relying on NICS. Single points of failure are not good things.

To concur with AZtoy, putting on your SSN lessens the risk of the delay. But includes potential for identity theft.

If delays are an issue due to your name being confused with someone else, the BATFE has provision to request your own, Unique Personal Identification Number (UPIN). I would suggest that anyone who feels tempted to use their social security number think seriously about applying for a UPIN instead.

[Frank Castle]

If delays are an issue due to your name being confused with someone else, the BATFE has provision to request your own, Unique Personal Identification Number (UPIN). I would suggest that anyone who feels tempted to use their social security number think seriously about applying for a UPIN instead.

Im a Junior

I know my biological father, with same name, had a criminal record. That's why i use my SSN.     

[MikeB]

I get a delay sort of every single time. The first time I got the delay 20ish years ago it took like 3 weeks. Don't really have a record, never found out what that was about. Since then though they have to get an operator on the phone every time instead of the automated phone thing providing approval. I did find out there is someone with a very similar name and the same birth year that has been in a lot of trouble in my county and twoneighboring counties in PA. Don't know if that is related or not. Once the operator comes on they usually go through the eye, hair, race, etc. and then give the approval. It means I usually wait 30mins instead of 5. Only once since the original instance have I had to wait a day. Annoying, but I'm not sure if it's worth that NICS identifying number or if that even works in PA.

Never seemed to matter for my LTCF, that is always about 20 minute or so to get the new card from submitting paperwork. Seems to line up with what everyone in my county experiences; just did that last Friday actually. They use the same PICS for that; but I've never been able to overhear the conversation like I can at my local gun store. One of the best things about PA at least in my County; walk in, fill out paperwork and walk out with new LTCF. Takes less than an hour from parking to getting back to the car.

[Declaration Day]

For the last two pistols I bought, I still had to fill out the 4473 by hand but the check was done online.

[Scout26]

In Illinois, the mandate background check is a call to state police number, give the buyer's FOID, say if it's handgun or long gun, and get told.  There's a web site now for us lowly end users to use, since we're supposed to do it too now.  (Always were supposed to check.)

4473 last time I did one was the same old paper sheet.

Dealers can use an on-line system to check or can still call-in to the Illinois State Police (they do the check here, not through NICS, but I think they have access to big crime database that the Feds use).

Yep, still have to write out a 4473 and check the boxes.

[wmenorr67]

Last two firearms I bought, first one the 4473 was on a puter but they still printed off some papers to sign and they checked online.  Second one the computer version wasn't up so had to do it on paper but check was still done online.