NICS CHECK: Delay. Why did it happen?

[Tommie]

Yesterday I go to pick up an action I ordered. I told the guy my NICS checks always seem to take a while but this time I get put on “delay” (or hold or whatever the term). The guy said it happens. I called a buddy who’s an FFL and he said the same thing. So now I have to patiently wait for a phone call and get the action. Takes all the fun out of it.

Does anyone know why this happens?

 

[CJ6]

There seems to be no rhyme or reason for the NICS checks time frame.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Yesterday I go to pick up an action I ordered. I told the guy my NICS checks always seem to take a while but this time I get put on “delay” (or hold or whatever the term). The guy said it happens. I called a buddy who’s an FFL and he said the same thing. So now I have to patiently wait for a phone call and get the action. Takes all the fun out of it.

Does anyone know why this happens?

Just hope the delay doesn’t turn in to a deny.
That’s when the headaches begin.

 

[Tommie]

Just hope the delay doesn’t turn in to a deny.
That’s when the headaches begin.

And that’s my big concern! I’ve been second-guessing myself and wondering if I filled out the paperwork wrong.

 

[AMG04]

I've heard that if there is a felon with the same name in your state (maybe city) it had to be reviewed to ensure it's NOT going to the felon.

John Smith has a higher probability of delay than Brixon Leneghan.

Only one of many reasons I'm sure.

 

[DShortt]

It's happened to me nearly every time I bought something over the last 3 years or so. I've no idea why. I don't buy anything often and it's always approved eventually.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I've heard that if there is a felon with the same name in your state (maybe city) it had to be reviewed to ensure it's NOT going to the felon.

That’s how I got denied one time and it’s a mess to deal with the fingerprint deal then the long wait to get a UPIN.

 

[hogpatrol]

I've been delayed a few times on actions, last one was for an aftermarket 10/22 bare receiver. I'm guessing it was because over the years, I tore the tag off a couple pillows.

 

[joshb]

I have a friend that was denied because a murderer had the same name. Luckily, the guy had a different birthday. Second try with a phone call got it done. I remind him of it, from time to time, when I feel like giving him crap.

 

[memilanuk]

Ever since NICS went into effect, every time I fill in my SSN, I get delayed. Every time.

No SSN... no delay.

Go figure. They claim using your SSN should disambiguate things and reduce conflicts/confusion... but that's not been my experience.

 

[L.Sherm]

I believe if you dont hear anything in like 72hrs then the transaction can proceed something like that used to be anyway.
Its not up to the FFL holder to find out reason either its upto you to find out why.
Don't know if Wyoming has a law were if you have a CC permit you by pass the NICS check only have to do paperwork its the biggest reason I have my CC permit.
Looks like you can with a CC permit Tommie I would certainly entertain getting yours

 

[Tommie]

I believe if you dont hear anything in like 72hrs then the transaction can proceed something like that used to be anyway.
Its not up to the FFL holder to find out reason either its upto you to find out why.
Don't know if Wyoming has a law were if you have a CC permit you by pass the NICS check only have to do paperwork its the biggest reason I have my CC permit.
Looks like you can with a CC permit Tommie I would certainly entertain getting yours

I’ve never bothered with a CC permit due to my state’s excellent Constitutional carry laws. But now I’m reconsidering.

 

[L.Sherm]

I’ve never bothered with a CC permit due to my state’s excellent Constitutional carry laws. But now I’m reconsidering.

I didn't either because of Montana's to, its alot less painless with one and I figured if I'm traveling across state lines it can't hurt either.

 

[Minshooter]

Ever since NICS went into effect, every time I fill in my SSN, I get delayed. Every time.

No SSN... no delay.

Go figure. They claim using your SSN should disambiguate things and reduce conflicts/confusion... but that's not been my experience.

Don't like adding my SS to the form. Pretty much completes an identity theft worksheet.
I do put my SS on a small post it note on the form, and make sure they tear it up after the call.
Some dealers now have the entire form on a screen for customer completion, so that's not an option.
Actually, it is an option for me: I don't buy there.

 

[Wisconsinner]

I get delayed damn near every time I purchase a firearm. For me it's a same name issue. There is another person with the same first, middlen and last name as me that got himself into a bunch of trouble. I was told that the automated system raises a red flag and kicks the background check to a person who makes the final determination.

 

[memilanuk]

Some dealers now have the entire form on a screen for customer completion, so that's not an option.
Actually, it is an option for me: I don't buy there.

Or... just don't supply them your SSN, period.

 

[SSL]

I usually have a longer wait than most people for firearm purchase approval. We finally figured it out. During my working life, I had multiple nuclear clearances and fingerprinting for my job. Still shows up and makes the powers that be take a closer look.

 

[Shooter13]

Yesterday I go to pick up an action I ordered. I told the guy my NICS checks always seem to take a while but this time I get put on “delay” (or hold or whatever the term). The guy said it happens. I called a buddy who’s an FFL and he said the same thing. So now I have to patiently wait for a phone call and get the action. Takes all the fun out of it.

Does anyone know why this happens?

Do you have your CCDW? They ask for mine and I never get a delay. Not sure it that is it or not, just a thought.

 

[joshb]

I’ve never bothered with a CC permit due to my state’s excellent Constitutional carry laws. But now I’m reconsidering.

I’m in Texas and enjoyed the same laws. I got my Concealed Carry partially because my favorite FFL kept bitching about the extra paperwork.

 

[DeerHunter82]

NYS has this neat little law where you can be put on hold for up to 30 days while they do their “point of contact” check. Only issue is Federal NICS expires at 30 days. So if NYS has an issue with your name and they are back logged, you get to start the whole process over at 30 days. I haven’t experienced it but a co worker took 90 days to get his firearm.