General May 20, 2023

Why can't I just pick up my gun right now?

We'd love to, but FEDERAL LAW requires several steps:

REQUIRED BY LAW:

1. Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record)

  • Must be completed for EVERY firearm transfer
  • You must answer all questions truthfully
  • False answers are felonies
  • We must review it for completeness

2. Background Check (NICS)

  • Required for all firearms purchases
  • Cannot be skipped or bypassed
  • We must wait for "PROCEED" response
  • Takes 5-10 minutes (sometimes longer)

3. ID Verification

  • Must verify you are who you claim to be
  • Must confirm you're legally allowed to purchase
  • Address verification required

4. Record Keeping

  • We must log the transfer in our books
  • Serial numbers must be recorded
  • ATF compliance required

WHAT WE CANNOT DO:

  • Skip the background check
  • Let you leave without "PROCEED"
  • Rush federal requirements
  • Override NICS delays or denials
  • Ignore incomplete paperwork

TYPICAL PROCESS TIME:

  • Paperwork: 5-10 minutes
  • Background check: 5-10 minutes
  • Total: 15-20 minutes most days

BUSY DAYS (Black Friday, etc.):

  • NICS system may be slower
  • More customers = longer waits
  • Can take 30-60 minutes during peak times

IF YOU'RE IN A HURRY:

  • Email ahead to start paperwork
  • Avoid peak shopping days
  • Have your ID and information ready
  • Be patient - we work as fast as legally allowed

REMEMBER:

  • These laws keep firearms out of wrong hands
  • Compliance protects you and us
  • We want you to get your gun quickly AND legally

Why the laws exist: To ensure firearms only go to people legally allowed to own them. We follow all federal, state, and local requirements - no exceptions.