The dealer would call in only if the online NICS system was down. 99.99% of all 4473's are entered electronically into an ATF/FBI NICS system. That system will shoot back "proceed", "delay", "deny".
My point is that the information is collected more efficiently than someone verbally giving info over the phone. In fact, its been expedited. It can take less than a minute to enter info and get a response back whereas it could take 10-15 min speaking directly to an agent.
I worked at a large retail firearm chain for two years and not once called in one form.
Also, in addition to 4473's, many folks apply for CCW permits. The government already knows who owns guns and is no secret.
Well, my friend was running out of his home, and I sat next to him when he called. I can see where it would be completely impractical to have a large retail chain perform this task.
I agree that online would be far faster, and more efficient. Last firearm I purchased was about 2 years ago, and I can't imagine that they would update the entire system that soon. All I know is he called a number, identified himself and his dealer number, reported a transfer, gave make, model and SN of the firearm, then read my Driver's license number, pronounced and spelled my information. This took a couple minutes, and then he received an authorization code, that he entered in his copy of the records. I have no idea of how long he has to retain those records. I know he had online access, because I helped install the system - but for reasons I don't know, he used the phone.
To your point with the CCW, one of the reasons I got my CCW was to allow faster processing, the Gov't has my prints, name, address and the fact that I work for them - they also have my clearance data, which knows they know more about me than my wife ever will.
The dealer would call in only if the online NICS system was down. 99.99% of all 4473's are entered electronically into an ATF/FBI NICS system. That system will shoot back "proceed", "delay", "deny".
My point is that the information is collected more efficiently than someone verbally giving info over the phone. In fact, its been expedited. It can take less than a minute to enter info and get a response back whereas it could take 10-15 min speaking directly to an agent.
I worked at a large retail firearm chain for two years and not once called in one form.
Also, in addition to 4473's, many folks apply for CCW permits. The government already knows who owns guns and is no secret.
Well, my friend was running out of his home, and I sat next to him when he called. I can see where it would be completely impractical to have a large retail chain perform this task.
I agree that online would be far faster, and more efficient. Last firearm I purchased was about 2 years ago, and I can't imagine that they would update the entire system that soon. All I know is he called a number, identified himself and his dealer number, reported a transfer, gave make, model and SN of the firearm, then read my Driver's license number, pronounced and spelled my information. This took a couple minutes, and then he received an authorization code, that he entered in his copy of the records. I have no idea of how long he has to retain those records. I know he had online access, because I helped install the system - but for reasons I don't know, he used the phone.
To your point with the CCW, one of the reasons I got my CCW was to allow faster processing, the Gov't has my prints, name, address and the fact that I work for them - they also have my clearance data, which knows they know more about me than my wife ever will.