Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

I was at a LGS and heard background checks are at a backlog of several days. The rumor was, of the folks that process the background checks, 2 were "let go" and one quit leaving only 3. Given sales are still increasing, the problem is compounded.

Can someone confirm this? What does this mean for gun shows?

Thanks,

Gene

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I can't confirm anything except for the rumblings that I've heard all over the place of people complaining about how slow the system has been over the last couple of months.

I guess it means that until something changes (i.e., the VSP gets more funding to run the program or the state background check system is done away with) then delays at gun shows and elsewhere will be the norm.

Not sure about staffing, but I can definitely confirm the slowness. This past week I went in Wednesday and filled out all of my paper work at about 3pm, heard them call it in (they do give more information than I previously though...including SSN, birthplace, etc, which to me should make it easy to determine who is buying it).

I didn't get the call back from the dealer until Saturday at 3pm. The last time in August it took just under 2 days, and the year before that it was 1 day for me. So it is definitely getting progressively worse

Pretty sad state of affairs when I get get an actual instant check and walk out of the store with a long rifle in Maryland quicker than Virginia...

I can't confirm, but this is the buzz around my local gun shops. Since my first firearms purchase in VA, I have always had a delay before approval. For 8 years it was almost 35 minutes on the dot and my approval would come through. The last 2 years it has been progressively longer. The last being 3 days and I'm currently in my 2nd day of waiting on a purchase. I hope it isn't a 3-5 day wait!!

Can anyone explain what "red flags" pop up to cause a delay? I've never been in trouble with the law.....not even close. Knock on wood. I visited a state police office once, just to ask why, but they had no idea what causes them

I have made several purchases this month and have had no problems. I've been accepted within 10-15 minutes of submitting my paperwork.

Is the same check done picking up a firearm at an FFL? I picked one up the other day and he did the check in around 5 minutes.

Have to get rid of the 1 handgun a month law before they can even comptemplate getting rid of the redundant and unessecary VSP backround check. Im sure they will make a vote next year to get rid of the vsp check

joeshmo wrote:Have to get rid of the 1 handgun a month law before they can even comptemplate getting rid of the redundant and unessecary VSP backround check. Im sure they will make a vote next year to get rid of the vsp check

That would be great! Why do you think "change" is around the corner, though?

I think there's currently a bill on the floor to have the VSP only handle handgun purchases and NICS checks for long guns.

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http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504 ... +sum+SB612

sb612
senate coj committee.
continued to the 2013 session.

It is silly to do a background check over and over. I bought 3 guns in the last month. A shotgun a 1911 pistol and a AR 15. Have to wait til after 2/19 to buy another handgun, That's silly too.

If I buy a shotgun and a rifle at one time from one FFL, is that one check, or two separate checks?

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rromeo wrote:If I buy a shotgun and a rifle at one time from one FFL, is that one check, or two separate checks?

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The 30 day rule only applies to handguns.

*edit - after re-reading your question, I guess I didn;t answer it. And I don't know the answer.

1/27 around 5 PM, took about 15 minutes. 2/7 around noon, also took about 15 minutes.

I picked up a new DTI-15 today at my local shop and the owner mentioned to me that there is as of today 2/9 there is a 5 day back up for people who are delayed. i am always delayed for what ever reason it took 4 days for mine. But then again you it was a "assault weapon" i was buying so you know how that's a special thing.

rromeo wrote:If I buy a shotgun and a rifle at one time from one FFL, is that one check, or two separate checks?

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If you select to purchase both at the same time before the background check has been submitted there is only one check. Been there done that, only had to fill out the paperwork once for two firearms at the same time.


I cannot attest as to what the dealer would do if they had already submitted the paperwork and it happens to take a while to come back approved that you happen to see another firearm you decide to buy.

totes6 wrote:

rromeo wrote:If I buy a shotgun and a rifle at one time from one FFL, is that one check, or two separate checks?

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

If you select to purchase both at the same time before the background check has been submitted there is only one check. Been there done that, only had to fill out the paperwork once for two firearms at the same time.


I cannot attest as to what the dealer would do if they had already submitted the paperwork and it happens to take a while to come back approved that you happen to see another firearm you decide to buy.

That is the answer I was looking for. Thank you.

The background checks the dealers do in Virginia are the same checks dealers do in every state, however in some states the dealers do the checks directly with the FBI, in Va we do them with the state police. They check the FBI computers and state computers at the same time. There have been no staff changes in Richmond that I have heard of (not to say I would). Basically when your information is input into the computer to do the background check its like a search engine. If you have ever been arrested for "anything" your name pops up and you get delayed, if a similar name pops up, you get delayed. A delay means that a State Police officer has to look at it to verify your information to see if you can buy the gun. This is where the slow down comes in (human eyes) and yes staffing levels at any given time and work load. Lots of guns sell in Va everyday and yes there are only so many people to do the checks. If you have never been arrested and you still always get delayed you can request a Unique Firearms Identification Number (UFIN) from the state police, if approved you would need to get finger printed and all that but the delays should "probably" stop. I myself always got delayed, I just filled out the paper work and went home, they call when its ready LOL. I sold my 19 year old son a shotgun and he got delayed for 4 days even though I know he's clean, it happens.
And yes you can do multiple purchases on set of paperwork, most dealers charge an additional fee for this though.
If you have a concealed handgun permit you can buy as many handguns a month as you want. (had mine for 25 years LOL)

Hello,
I'm new to Virginia, having moved here from Florida almost 2 years ago. I just purchased 2 firearms, a rifle and a pistol. Filled out the paper work last Staurday and still have not received approval, 6 days later. I have QUITE a few guns I brought from Fl and never had a problem, purchased a firearm from Mahoneys in Abington about 3 years ago , no problem. I am a NG vet and no criminal record as past purchases can attest.
The gun shop told me he had a firearm waiting since January 27 and that cutbacks and a recent gun show are the causes. I have over 1300 bucks tied up and am concerned because I have never in my 73 years have had a delay of approval such as this.
I have read the forum and see complaints about 10-15 minutes delays and even some hour delays but how about 6 days?
What recourse do I have?
Would a call to "whomever" at the state police help clarify the delay.
Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks

Unfortunately this is becoming the new norm for background checks in Virginia. If your state congressmen are firearm friendly you could always give them a shout. I am afraid calling the State Police will probably only tick them off and if they happen to be vindictive could push you even further back. Your other option since you are now a Virginia resident is look for private sales of firearms. You are not required by law to pass a background check. Some private sellers do want to have a transfer done through an FFL (which means a background check), but those are not that common at this point in time. I hope your background check comes through soon.


Edit: And I should have clarified, The private sale needs to be between Virginia residents. Unfortunately you cannot purchase a firearm from a person who is a resident of another state due to Federal Laws without having the firearm transferred through an FFL.