CBI Checks, aren't they supposed to be purged?

[DeusExMachina]

The ATF looks up the serial number of the firearm and finds where it was purchased. They contact the store and the store finds the 4473 they are required to keep on file for X years and provides the ATF with whatever information they requested.

So, no, they're not. However it only works in certain ways, supposedly. For example they can't go "show me all the guns that James Holmes from Aurora, CO has purchased", they need the serial numbers.

[DD977GM2]

The ATF looks up the serial number of the firearm and finds where it was purchased. They contact the store and the store finds the 4473 they are required to keep on file for X years and provides the ATF with whatever information they requested.

So, no, they're not. However it only works in certain ways, supposedly. For example they can't go "show me all the guns that James Holmes from Aurora, CO has purchased", they need the serial numbers.

I believe the 4473s are supposed to be kept by the vendor for 30 years

[Mazin]

I believe the 4473s are supposed to be kept by the vendor for 30 years

Or until they no longer renew their FFL, then they send the 4473's to the ATF. That was what I had heard a few years back when I had a buddy running a shop.

[DeusExMachina]

I believe the 4473s are supposed to be kept by the vendor for 30 years

I think it depends on the locality. There's also if the shop goes out of business, they submit all 4473s to the ATF who keeps them forever.

[Great-Kazoo]

FFL holds on to them. if FFL sells the business or does not renew his ffl, off the forms go to ATF[e]

As mentioned above. Serial number & mfg info allows feds to contact mfg, who then directs them to vendor or ffl . Once ffl is contacted the 4473 search begins. That is how they know who purchased what & for how much. Not through CBI but just plain old police work.

[asmo]

So, no, they're not. However it only works in certain ways, supposedly. For example they can't go "show me all the guns that James Holmes from Aurora, CO has purchased", they need the serial numbers.

Unless of course your FFL uses an automated system that allows for this type of search. The request usually comes as: Who purchased firearm serial number ABCDEFG and what other items have they purchased from you.

If you can't comply on the second half no biggie - if you refuse to comply on the second half then the pain starts.

This is 12+ years old but its still relevant: http://www.davekopel.com/2A/LawRev/C...ATFtracing.htm

This is more recent and still relevant: http://www.policyarchive.org/handle/...2006-06-16.pdf

Oh and both the FBI and the ATF have a unit dedicated to Firearms Tracing.