Silly Virginia Background Checks & Poor Process

[Glockem]

I know I am a new member here as of about an hour ago, but I joined this site because I am so frustrated with the process of buying a pistol in VA. I own several firearms probably like most of you, but my recent purchase is driving me nutz. I finally saved up and ordered the Beretta I always wanted to get a M9A1. I ordered it and paid for it on Tuesday morning and did my background check paperwork for Fed and State and of course I was delayed, and now I am "In Research". Now it is the 4th day, and heck, even my dealer is getting frustrated about this which apparently happens all the time. Over the last few days the VA State Police has said the following:

1. Tuesday - I have a hyphenated or double last name triggered my delay and placed me "In Research" status
2. Wednesday - My Security Clearances triggered more delay
3. Thursday - My Virginia Concealed Carry Firearms Permit triggered more delay
4. Friday - Still "In Research"
5. Saturday - Still "In Research"

If I were to design a separate state criminal background check database, the first two questions should be:
1. Do you currently maintain a valid DOD or Federal type of security clearance? If answered yes, skip all steps below and approve gun purchase immediately
2. Do you currently maintain a valid Virginia Concealed Carry Firearms Permit? If answered yes, skip all steps below and approve gun purchase immediately
3. If no to either of the above questions, then follow all steps below to complete criminal background check.

I say all this because of the intense process you have to go through to get a DOD or Federal security clearance or your Virginia Concealed Carry Firearms Permit, and these factors must be able to trump anything that is currently inside the Virginia database that it is searching for. Something has to be wrong with this system or the process itself, because I am a law abiding citizen who carries my concealed pistol most of the time, and now I can't even get cleared immediately by this silly database background check. Am I missing something or this really silly ?

[donut]

I would say take it easy, you'll get your pistol in good time and don't sweat the small stuff, they'll call you when it's ready. In the meantime order some chinese food and throw on some Archer or something.

[thekinetic]

You'd think those would trump it, especially the security clearance considering how hard and expensive it is to get one.

It's all bureaucracy anyway! It's like why do I need two forms of ID when I can go buy a second form down the street at a walmart. Seriously got told this in Va Arms they said go down the street to the walmart and buy a "forestry license" for $4 and come back.

[moss20]

It took a week for my boss to get approved. He is former military and DOD, and current Va. DCJS. Makes no sense.

[GeneFrenkle]

Keep in mind security clearances are only valid for the afency in which they were processed. A DoD clearance means nothing when going for a Treasury clearance which means nothing for an NICS check.

It could be Fed Gov't games to slow things down, true system overload (to include VSP personnel availability), etc. Rigt now, the whole industry is topsy turvy and ot's unclear when and how long ot would take to settle down.

It might be cool to invite the VSP VCheck ot Firearms Transaction Center manager to participate in a question/answer thread.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[wolfhfac]

I have a clearance and it has taken me a few minutes to get approved. My last gun buy was a couple weeks ago (shotgun). I also have a CCW permit as well. Never a problem.

A security clearance means you can be trusted with classified information, it does not mean you are suitable to possess a firearm. You can have a restraining order against you and still hold a clearance.

[OakRidgeStars]

HB 2342, if passed, should improve the process for VA CHP holders.

--
As of 1/24/2013:

HB 2342, Lingamfelter, allows CHP holders to get an expedited background check when purchasing a gun. Carried over until next week.

[totes6]

All I can say is expect it to take a while. We had another member on here that had to wait for 3 weeks to get approved, they also were put into research.

Mtbinva posted this:

To dovetail into this discussion, I have been "in research" since last Saturday. Any thoughts as to why the long delay? I work in the legal industry, but not an attorney, so I have an understanding of some of the process. My biggest concern is the haphazard way records are inputted or incorrectly submitted.

I think greater care should be done in making sure law abiding citizens should not be punished for the lazy lackadaisical errors of an underpaid overworked clerk.

Any reason for such a long delay?

Read more: http://vagunforum.net/virginia-laws/gun ... z2J6uI21s0

[FiremanBob]

I have written before that slowing down all processes will be part of the regime's "executive action" against 2A.

[Glockem]

I have seen many threads on here all speaking to these same issues, yet what a shock, nothing consistent yet....

Oh well, I will remain patient eventhough I have spent a lot of money on something I don't yet possess.

The impact on FFL Gun Shop dealers must be exorbitant, downtime, inefficiencies, etc, because they have to keep chasing down the background checks while trying to keep the customers at bay and happy that the state is going as fast as they can and will likely approve it any moment now.

[jasonallen127]

Every time I get a NICS check for a firearms purchase, it varies.

For my .22 pistol, I was delayed for almost 3 WEEKS. For my .357 revolver, I was approved in 4 minutes. A lot depends on how many other people are buying guns when you are, and how many state police investigators are working that day. Tons of people are panic-buying firearms like they're going out of style right now. Just be patient and you'll get it approved soon enough!

HB 2342 will make things quicker if signed into law.

[crossfireltd]

My last firearms purchase was in the beginning to mid January, my NCIS check took all of 26 minutes. Gave the clerk my drivers license, voters registration card and CHP. Went outside to smoke a cigarette, when I came back in he said I was good to go.


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[SpanishInquisition]

Wow. I've had the OK come back while I was filling our the second form on more than one occasion. There was a Saturday that it took 3 hours though. That was before it hit the fan though, but one of my buddies made a purchase today and it went straight through.

[MNMGoneShooting]

Wonder how it all works though. I have similar background as OP, bought a gun last week where the background took about 10 mins. That, and I've bought four guns since the end of November.

[Glockem]

So do I just wait until the VA State Police calls my dealer to tell them "Approved", and then the dealer calls me to tell me to come pick it up? Is that how it works? Or Should I continue to call the state police each day until they get mine done?

[Rumson]

Give them some uninterrupted time .. I could imagine somebody moving it to the bottom of the stack otherwise..

[SpanishInquisition]

Glockem, all my transactions have been with dealers that use computer access to process the filing with the state. You mentioned "calling", perhaps that makes a difference?

[Glockem]

Yes they use an online database at the dealer, but I was told after 7 days of waiting that the dealer is allowed to call the state police and start asking "what's up" until they get them to finalize the background check. I can also call I suppose, but at this point it is clear that nothing I do will speed the process anymore.

[lizjimbo]

Ask the female members what their experience has been. I get delayed all the time, generally an hour or so. My wife is approved before they even send the information over the wire. Maybe we can get them on gender discrimination. It must be a war against men that wanna buy a new gun!

[Rumson]

Friend of mine is held up all the time but his name is very common..

Mine go through immediately but I have a not so common name..

Only way to speed things up is to change your name to something like Jebediah Hotchkiss or give your social security number on the form..