Posted on Aug 31, 2014
Col Squadron Commander
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So I went to the local sporting goods store and purchased a tactical shotgun for home defense. I completed the necessary paperwork and provided the appropriate documentation to satisfy the politicians. The clerk then said he had to "call it in" (I assume to FBI or NSA) for approval. About 10 minutes later he comes back and asks me if I have a "clearance" I said "yes, most military members do". Then he said "Because you have a clearance, it will take longer to check my background and complete the process, so wait 3 days". I was dumbfounded. So a customer without any clearance can go right in, purchase a weapon(long gun), and walk out of the store with it that same day, but an AD member with a clearance has to wait longer? It should be the other way around...or am I missing something?
Posted in these groups: Dd389bad Gun Control
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SGT Richard H.
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I just noticed that you are in DC Col (Join to see) I'm amending my guess to now assume that the close proximity to the BS (bureaucracy/subjugation) capital of the world may be the problem.
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Col Squadron Commander
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Col Squadron Commander
Col (Join to see)
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I think it's the other BS.
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SSgt Investigative Analyst
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That's BS, Major, and it's the federal firearms licensee's (FFL..the sporting goods store) BS.

Depending on the state in which you reside, long gun sales over the counter are usually one day transactions. FFLs will make you wait three + days for handguns because they're required to do so. I've seen some insist on five...that's their prerogative. They run the information on the ATF Form 4473 (the paperwork you fill out) through the FBI's NICS Branch. If the NICS Branch doesn't find anything prohibiting you from owning a firearm (felony counts, misdemeanor convictions of domestic violence, or orders of protection), or if they don't return a favorable background check in three days, the can legally transfer the gun to you.

Of course, the NICS Branch can take longer than three days (federal government entity with databases, and all). If the FFL releases the gun to you and then you have an unfavorable background check, then the ATF will call and you'll have to surrender the weapon.

But that's handguns. Long guns are usually same day purchases. Your security clearance is irrelevant. The sporting goods store is yanking your chain.
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Col Squadron Commander
Col (Join to see)
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I agree SSgt Tony Lamb, and the last long gun time I purchase from BPS!
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SGT Richard H.
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Maybe because of the clearance, your information is more difficult for a civilian entity or agency to gain access to? (i.e....needs approval from "higher" for them to access)

Just a guess.
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
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But if Col (Join to see) had anything that kept him from having a new toy, they would have pulled his secret squirrel status, right? I still want to throw the BS flag on this one.
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LTC Paul Heinlein
LTC Paul Heinlein
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Sounds like B.S. to me. I have purchased firearms (not going to say what types or how many) and I have a TS clearance and never had an issue. They call your information into the ATF for the background check. Anyhow, where you might have a problem is if you don't give them your SSN (its optional). Reason is, no SSN, if your name is similar to someone else's who would not get approved it slows down the process and can take some more time to validate that you are good to sell the firearm to.
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Mark Merino
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And then there is the possible human error factor....
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Col Squadron Commander
Col (Join to see)
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Exactly my thoughts LTC Heinlein, especially since I too have purchased other weapons and this is the first I have heard of the delay.
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