Waiting On Background Check For Gun Purchase

[Keith67]

I was wondering how long it takes a background check to be approved when purchasing a gun. I bought an AR-15 on July 19th, and still haven't heard anything from my FFL Dealer.

I called them a week after I bought it, and they said it still shows pending. I have a valid FOID and CCL. I haven't had a traffic ticket in 20 years. I have no criminal record. I have no history of mental illness.

Is it normal to wait this long?

Thanks!

[Molly B.]

We hear of this frequently, unfortunately.

[bmyers]

Sounds like this would be another issue that could be challenged in court if anyone had deep pockets to do it. 

[bmyers]

Interesting video discussing this very topic. The only issue, it was issued in CA and not IL. 

 

 

[illinois_buckeye]

Waiting that long isn’t normal but not sure what would hold it up.  I’ve been fortunate.  Every time I’ve gone to purchase it’s been instant approval and pick up in 3 days due to the state law.

[TK 9mm]

When I bought my Kimber Micro 9 last summer it took 28 days to clear. Man was I p***** to have my $800 held up in an FFLs safe for that long.

[grainderson]

On 8/12/2022 at 1:21 PM, TK 9mm said:

When I bought my Kimber Micro 9 last summer it took 28 days to clear. Man was I p***** to have my $800 held up in an FFLs safe for that long.

Do you have a common name or was it some other hold up? That's crazy long.

 

 

[TK 9mm]

I googled my name and there is no full name match but 2 people with the same first and last name, one is a firefighter, the other is a plumber.

[solareclipse2]

On 10/12/2022 at 8:01 AM, TK 9mm said:

I googled my name and there is no full name match but 2 people with the same first and last name, one is a firefighter, the other is a plumber.

 

There are approximately 1300 people worldwide with my surname. Due to the uncommonality of the surname, I know that I am related to all of them. Of those 1300 worldwide there are approximately 200 in the United States. I know for a fact that I am related to those 200 people. Of those 200, I also know for certain that none have my first and last name. 

 

That said, given that I am the only person in the United States with my name, I have been delayed on a background check but not so long as to extend past my 3 day waiting period. I do seem to notice that it happens when I deal with a FFL who instructs me not to use my SSN on the 4473. Every time I've used my SSN I get an instant "Proceed" status.