Information About NICS Use by FFLs for Private Party Transfers
The purpose of this communication is to assist Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) who facilitate the transfer of firearms between unlicensed individuals.
On January 16, 2013, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) issued an open letter to all FFLs regarding the transfer of firearms between unlicensed individuals. The letter provides guidance with respect to private sale transfers facilitated by FFLs as unlicensed individuals do not have the ability to use the National Instant Criminal background Check System (NICS) to conduct a background check on a prospective transferee.
In addition, several states have state laws which prohibit the transfer of firearms between individuals unless a NICS background check is completed. To obtain a copy of the open letter or obtain more information regarding the transfer of firearms between unlicensed individuals, please copy and paste the link provided into your browser https://www.atf.gov/file/56331/download or visit the ATF Web site at www.atf.gov.
With the possibility of increased transfers involving private sale transactions, the NICS Section would like to provide information regarding the use of the NICS during private sale transfer scenarios. The NICS Section will make the option for the transfer of a private sale firearm available to all FFLs not just FFLs having a state law requiring such. This capability will be available to all FFLs on September 16, 2015.
The FFLs may not be required by state law to process private sale transfers; however if you choose to engage in private sale transfers, please note it will be the responsibility of the FFL to specify the transfer as being connected to a private sale. Below is important information for you to know when conducting a NICS background check for the transfer of a private sale.
If you are conducting a NICS background check for the transfer of a private sale firearm via the contracted call centers, when asked by the call center agent, please identify the “type of transaction” as a private sale.
If you are conducting a NICS background check for the transfer of a private sale firearm via the NICS E-Check, please select private sale of a handgun, private sale of a long gun, private sale other, private sale return to seller handgun, private sale return to seller long gun, or private sale return to seller other in the field titled “Purpose ID (18).”
If you have any questions regarding the information provided, please contact the NICS Business Unit at NICSLiaison@ic.fbi.gov. Thank you!
Alien Gear Holsters Surpasses 500 Model Milestone
Company Now Offers More Than 500 Custom Molded Holster Shells
(Hayden, ID) Alien Gear Holsters, the most comfortable and concealable holsters on the planet, now offers over 500 gun holster options to carriers. From the popular Glock 43 holster to the notorious 1911 holster, this Idaho-based company has grown from just 250 gun holsters to over 500 different handgun holster types in less than two years. Alien Gear Holsters has grown at a phenomenal rate because of the quality and affordability the company offers to the concealed carry community.
Every custom molded holster shell is a part of a universal shell system. This allows anyone with an Alien Gear Holster to easily swap out their shell to match the gun they choose to carry. The universal shell system eliminates the need for you to buy a new holster for each gun you own. Instead, you can buy just one holster base capable of housing multiple shells and guns. Continue reading
NSSF Signs Three-Year Deal with ConvExx for SHOT Show
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) is pleased to announce that it has renewed its agreement with trade show management company ConvExx to continue its partnership with NSSF’s SHOT Show through 2018 and beyond.
Based in Las Vegas, ConvExx is privately held and has produced more than 200 shows and events. ConvExx will also be working more closely with NSSF on its Exhibitor Academy, Industry Summit, Sponsor Summit, Import/Export Conference, retailer compliance seminars and other events as part of this extended agreement.
“With the tremendous level of success and positive feedback we received from the past two shows, we believe that a long-term partnership with ConvExx is a good fit for our show, for our members and for our industry,” said Chris Dolnack, NSSF Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “ConvExx brings a customer-centric focus, collaborative culture and a track record of innovation that help make the customer experience memorable. ConvExx also understands the nuances and sensitivities of an industry such as ours.” Continue reading
Harbor Freight “Clarifies” Position on Firearms in Stores
Tool Retailer Says They Will Defer to Local Laws
Harbor Freight, purveyor of cheap, foreign, disposable tools, caused a bit of a stir recently over their policy on legally carrying firearms into their stores. In defending the policy, the company wrote on facebook, “[…] this policy is intended to provide an environment where all our customers feel comfortable […] all firearms should be left in your car while shopping at Harbor Freight.“
Shortly thereafter, and following much outcry from firearm carry advocates, the company issued a “clarification” of their position. And, apparently, “clarification” means “reversal.” The company posted: Continue reading
41P Final Ruling Pushed Back to (at least) December 2015
A final decision on ruling 41P – the rule change that would add further impediments to owning NFA items such as silencers and short barreled firearms – has officially been pushed back. Again. Previously expected nearly a year ago, a decision was pushed back to the end of 2014 and then again to “sometime in May 2015.” More recently, the NSSF released a statement that a decision would likely not come for another six months at a minimum.
Yesterday, the NSSF’s prediction was officially confirmed as the OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs website was updated to reflect a new final decision date of “12/00/2015,” meaning “sometime in December 2015.”
Keep in mind that this does not mean that 41P will go into effect in December or, for that matter, that a decision will actually be reached by that point. Several dates have been given as the final action date, yet those dates have come and gone with only more delays. In addition to addressing each concern raised in the 9,500+ comments received on the matter, the NSSF brought up a number of technological and implementation hurdles that would need to be addressed – perhaps no small obstacle given the history of eForm 4 implementation, management, maintenance, and (pending) re-launch.
Despite all of that, a decision will be reached at some point, whether it is in December or later. However, that decision could very well be to say that “this is all rubbish, let’s scrap the idea.” Regardless of when the decision comes and what it is, we maintain that there is no time like the present to jump into the NFA game and doing so with an NFA gun trust is an easy way to do it.
The abstract of the rule change reads:
The Department of Justice is planning to finalize a proposed rule to amend the regulations of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) regarding the making or transferring of a firearm under the National Firearms Act. As proposed, the rule would; (1) add a definition for the term “responsible person”; (2) require each responsible person of a corporation, trust or legal entity to complete a specified form, and to submit photographs and fingerprints; and (3) modify the requirements regarding the certificate of the chief law enforcement officer (CLEO).
Join the 41P discussion on the GunLink forums or add your comments below.
