Mobuck Sort of funny(in a bassackward sort of way). I'd love to be a fly and sneak into the BATFE processing center just to see how the work flows.
The process isn't secret.
1.Application is sent to Atlanta where the payment is separated and processed. Once "cleared"...
2. Forwarded to NFA Branch in West Virginia where data entry clerks type in all the information on the app into their database.
3. Fingerprints are sent to the FBI. When the FP check is returned...
4. An ATF Legal Document Examiner reviews the application, compares the firearm to the NFA Registry, reviews the trust vs a checklist to see if it meets the requirements of that state and conducts the remainder of the background check on the individual or on each responsible person listed on the trust. If one of those background checks requires further review or is delayed then the application is on hold until resolved.
If information is missing then the examiner may return it to the transferor for correction.
5. When approved, the examiner affixes a tax stamp, then "cancels" it by writing the serial# across the stamp.
6. Form is returned to the transferor.
The actual paperwork is only a few minutes work and honest citizens usually have little to hide.
Wrong. See above.
Even "honest citizens" fail to include prints, photos or follow the damn directions. I give every customer an easy to follow checklist.....but it only works if you use it.
So, the only option BATFE has is to slow the processing to discourage applications.
Yeah, it's a conspiracy.
And don't forget to include the FBI in your conspiracy.
I'm getting approvals from May 2017 right now.....because they were done correctly.
The aggravating part is the information to give a "yes or no" is so quickly and easily accessed, this step shouldn't be a big deal.
Wrong.
It's wholly and completely different than the NICS check at your local gun store. A hint that it is different is the fingerprint requirement.
I have limited access to public records as part of my current job and with a little effort and a few minutes can find all sorts of info w/o even going to government accessible databases. I'd bet it takes less than 5 minutes for BATFE to search the info needed to make a determination.
I'll take and win that bet.
You are forgetting what parts of the process aren't even under ATF's control, nor are you taking into account a fixed number of employees and a literal mountain of form submissions with no ability to add more employees because it requires Congressional approval.
