How long does your 4473 and SP–65 approval take?

[Mindflayer]

I have what is an evidently common name, and had issues with ID Theft (Thanks, BoA and Citibank) in the past, but it's still annoying to have 2-3 days to get approval. How long does it take you guys?

[dorminWS]

I fill out the Virginia form first, and am usually approved by the time I get the federal form filled out - unless there is a system problem.

[SilentServiceVet]

Less than a minute. Very unique name, particularly my last. Not many of us Z's running around, apparently.

[zerodown1]

Usually a matter of minutes. If it was submitted when there are alot of gunshows going on in Va., It could take awhile.

[OakRidgeStars]

Quick. Less than a minute in most cases.

[Reverenddel]

I'm like the most, fill out the State form, as I'm finishing the 4473, it's done...

The only other person with my name in the U.S.A. is a professional tractor puller, and I'm sure they're not confusing us two.

[RocKor]

You're either instant or you're added to the pile of delays that VSP has for the day. When you clear depends on when they get to your background check.

I myself am always instant, but know many people who are always delayed.

Tip - if you know you are going to be delayed, try going and filling out the paperwork on a weekday morning as soon as your gun shop opens. I've noticed the early delays seem to clear much quicker (probably because you are one of the first delays on the pile for the day.)

[Lorger]

I am at about an hour or so, but former job put my on some global hot spots

[ShotgunBlast]

I got delayed for a day back in March (probably because of a common name), but was in and out with a purchase last month.

If you've already been in the system once, does that speed things up on subsequent checks?

[RocKor]

There is no system, from what I understand (those more in the know please correct me). Again, from what I understand, this is how it works:

When you get delayed, it means you've flagged some database in the VA portion of the check and someone has to manually check it. Usually if you get delayed once, you get delayed often unless you no longer flag that database.

The backlogs are nowhere near as bad as they were in March, so it's possible you were gotten to in a timely manner.

Delays take as long as it takes for someone to get to your check and clear the flag. The more delays there are, the longer you'll wait.