Wyoredman I just completed one of the new 4473's at my LGS. It appears the only differance is that they added a question asking if I'm Hispanic or Non-Hispanic!
What is the thinking behind this small change on the 4473? It seems a bit strange because the very next question still asks me to indicate my race.
It is now a two part question because most Hispanic customers would only check "Hispanic" on the "Race/Ethnicity" question.........and not choose a race. As Hispanic is an ethnicity, not a race it was not a complete answer.
oneounceload At one time Hispanic was not a race but an ethnicity,
Um.......it still is, hence Question 10a.
Wyoredman I understand that, but why ask about only the hispanics? Why are we not required to indicate if we are Italian, Irish, Chinese? This has me perplexed?
"Ethnicity" and "Race" are used during the FBI NICS check to ensure the accuracy of the background check. Since one can be black and Hispanic or white and Hispanic it sure makes a difference would't you say?
Tom Servo The hispanic/not hispanic thing was out of left field, though.
You've always had the option to check "Hispanic" on a 4473.........the problem was most of those checking Hispanic weren't also selecting a race. I'm surprised it took this long to clarify that question.
cannonfire Maybe I'm out in left field and probably am, but could this question have anything to do with Fast & Furious?
Not when "Hispanic" has been a choice under "Race/Ethnicity"for decades.
Tom Servo I once asked and was told that the "Race" field was for statistical gathering. Beyond that, who knows?
Federal law prohibits FBI NICS from keeping transaction information past the end of each NICS day........so no, it's not for statistical use.
Coach Z Just seems like its trying to pacify a certain group and at the same time make the whole process more ambiguous.
Pacify what "group"?
BarryLee Ok, forgive me, but I am a little unclear on how this actual data is used. I was under the impression that the forms were maintained by the FFL, so how does the Government get the demographic data? Is it transmitted during the NICS background check? Are the forms actual sent to the BATFE?
The data on a 4473 is kept on file by the dealer and may be destroyed after 20 years. If the dealer goes out of business all forms are sent to the giant ATF cave.
The information on a 4473 is used during the FBI NICS background check prior to the transfer of a firearm. The dealer reads the info to the NICS rep or submits it online....NICS then renders a Proceed, Delay or Denied response. If that transaction results in a "Proceed"...the data is purged at the end of the NICS business day. "Delayed" responses are saved until the status changes to a "Proceed" (and purged) or "Denied", in which case the information is saved.
Wyoredman Completely irrelevent to the purchase of a firearm is the fact wether I consinder myself Hispanic or Non-Hispanic. That is why I find this question to be 100% out in left field.
It's not irrelevent. "Race/Ethnicity" are clearly used by law enforcement to aid in the identity of a subject.............and has been for decades.
