Background checks and serial numbers

[Dingo]

Before somebody tells me to "google it" or "use the search function" - I did, and found conflicting reports. I want to clarify once and for all from people who know, exactly how much of my personal information is tied to a FFL gun purchase. My questions are as follows:

#1: I understand the gun's serial number is attached to the info sent to CBI, correct? Regardless of what they "unofficially" do, is there a publicly acknowledged database linking that serial to me, beyond the FFL's "bound book"?

#2: Since one background check is good for several guns at the time of purchase, do all the serial numbers need to be attached, or can just one go to CBI?

Thanks guys.

[Great-Kazoo]

Before somebody tells me to "google it" or "use the search function" - I did, and found conflicting reports. I want to clarify once and for all from people who know, exactly how much of my personal information is tied to a FFL gun purchase. My questions are as follows:

#1: I understand the gun's serial number is attached to the info sent to CBI, correct? Regardless of what they "unofficially" do, is there a publicly acknowledged database linking that serial to me, beyond the FFL's "bound book"?

NO SERIAL NUMBERS OR MFG OF GUN IS INCLUDED
#2: Since one background check is good for several guns at the time of purchase, do all the serial numbers need to be attached, or can just one go to CBI?

SEE #1 ANSWER





Thanks guys.

The lack of knowledge/ Paranoia regarding 4473's on this site and others is disgusting.

[Cman]

I just bought a gun and the serial # and model were written down on the 4473 form before it was sent in.

[Great-Kazoo]

I just bought a gun and the serial # and model were written down on the 4473 form before it was sent in.

AND????????????? This your 1st 4473??????????

Written Down & given are 2 different things. That info is for the ATF and FFL to be able to
1) Remove firearm from log book
2) Show's ATF the firearm no longer in their inventory has been transferred, LEGALLY to someone.
You do not have a firearm on premises / inventory, you damn sure better have paperwork to show where it went.

[BuffCyclist]

I just bought a gun and the serial # and model were written down on the 4473 form before it was sent in.

Before it was "sent in", sent in to whom?

[alan0269]

The info is written on the 4473, but it is not sent to CBI as part of the background check process. I've noticed that most FFL dealers put the firearm info on the form after they have submitted your info to CBI for the background check (used to save time and get the check done sooner, probably not so much now that the time for background checks are measured in days instead of minutes).

[Bailey Guns]

Neither CBI nor NICS know what you are buying beyond a generic description: "Handgun", "Long Gun" or "Other/Both"

CBI/NICS get ALL of your personal information (name, DOB, address, DL #, SSAN optional). They get NO specific information on the gun(s) you are buying. They don't know the make, model, SN or any other information other than the generic type of gun. That is ONLY recorded on the 4473 and in the dealer's bound book.

The only time that info is shared is if the BATFE needs a trace on a particular gun or if the compliance inspector makes a note of it during an inspection of the FFL premises. The other way would be if the FFL goes out of business and sends his records in to the BATFE Out of Business center.

[kwando]

You can start your BGC before your item arrives, as long as the FFL knows what you are getting.

[Great-Kazoo]

You can start your BGC before your item arrives, as long as the FFL knows what you are getting.

No you cannot. The item Must be On site and logged in prior to CBI Call in. You have an ATF SURPRISE audit while in the waiting process and Say Goodbye FFL.
So FFL X where exactly is this Firearm you are selling Mr. Kwando? Not in inventory, OOPS!
If that were the case i'd have 4 4473's in process now. How can you submit w/out info. Considering the approval might just be completed before said gun arrived?

[Dingo]

Thank you Jim, that's all I needed to know. Now I can happily add myself to the panic-buying 10 day queue for my lil bolt-action assault weapon of mass destruction. :-)