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:**
- Call 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.
**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:**
- Call 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.