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.

[asmo]

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.

Where it is promptly scanned, indexed, and compared. Our tax dollars pay for someone to sit in front of a computer, looking at scanned pages from A&D books, trying to decipher someone's handwriting.

Upon recieving:
1. The date of receipt of the firearm;
2. The name and address of the non-licensee or the name and FFL license number of the licensee from whom you received the firearm;
3. The name of the manufacturer and importer (if any) of the firearm;
4. The model of the firearm;
5. The serial number of the firearm;
6. The type of firearm (pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, receiver, frame, etc); and
7. The caliber or gauge of the firearm.


Upon selling or otherwise disposing of:
1. The date of sale or other disposition of the firearm;
2. The name and address of the non-licensee or the name and FFL license number of the licensee to whom the firearm was transferred.


So if your going to use an FFL -- use someone big that is going to stay in business for a long while and don't buy multiple guns in a 5 day period (see info on MSR 3310.4 in post below). Note that only helps some as the ATF can request records at any time - and routinely do for investigations.

[hatidua]

When the Dougherty trio did their little cross country crime spree that started in FL and ended on I-25 in Colorado, authorities very conveniently knew exactly what guns they had with them before they were caught. Things that make you go hmmm.........

[OneGuy67]

When the Dougherty trio did their little cross country crime spree that started in FL and ended on I-25 in Colorado, authorities very conveniently knew exactly what guns they had with them before they were caught. Things that make you go hmmm.........

As one who was involved in that investigation, I can tell you we knew what kind of guns they had because the youngest told his probation officer about them after he pled guilty to his case in Florida, just prior to their spree. Not to mention the video from the bank, which also showed some of the firearms and recovered casings, the in-car video from the officer in Florida who was shot at and the casings recovered in that event.