I got denied trying to buy a handgun

SquattingDog · August 7, 2007, 10:38 AM

Here's the story....

Yesterday I turned 21. Years prior I've been planning out and wanting to buy a handgun (a springfield xd-9 to be exact). Well yesterday was the big day so I went off to Cabela's. Filled out all the paper work and waited the usual 15 minutes. I forget what she said they called it but they have to look more into my profile and it could take from 1-15 days. She says it could have something to do with my social being similar to someone else's or me having a popular name. Has this happen to anyone else?

Oh yeah and I never did anything crime wise that would prevent from purchasing a handgun.

Trapper L · August 7, 2007, 10:42 AM

One of the Head County Mountys down here has the same problem. His name is real close to a listed criminal and they all but fingerprint the guy everytime. Even showing his badge has no effect. You'll probably have this same issue for every gun you buy that is registered.

mikejonestkd · August 7, 2007, 10:43 AM

>>Oh yeah and I never did anything crime wise that would prevent from purchasing a handgun<<<

Ever did anything that would generate a record? Anything at all? you would be surprised at the stuff that can be on a person's record.

With a common name ( like mine ) delays can happen but its not the end of the world. Patience grasshopper.....

let us know how it turns out.

mountainclmbr · August 7, 2007, 10:51 AM

The background check system was initially designed to deny as many people as possible, thus the name check. If the person doing your background check is a decent person, they will go on to the Social Security number if you provided it. If the person is a gun hater, they will delay or deny your application.

I think the system is very badly flawed. I have never done anything to be denied, but have a common name. I am also on my 3rd renewal of my CCW permit. About 30% of the time I get delayed. Once I got denied, appealed and won the appeal. The other 60% of the time I am immediately approved. It seems that it is completely random. All I can say is fight for your rights and appeal if you get denied.

Casimer · August 7, 2007, 11:00 AM

I've never heard of there being a delay because of similar SSN's - names yes, but SSNs are unique to every individual. Maybe the clerk was mistaken, but when it comes through I'd try to find out what caused the hang-up. You'll want to be sure that someone hasn't been using your SSN.

Action_Can_Do · August 7, 2007, 12:03 PM

I've had problems with my social security number. When I went to get my drivers license, I wasn't allowed as they didn't believe I was an 82 year old man. Don't be surprised if the Gov't screws up and gives your social to someone else to.

akr · August 7, 2007, 12:14 PM

Quote:

The background check system was initially designed to deny as many people as possible, thus the name check. If the person doing your background check is a decent person, they will go on to the Social Security number if you provided it. If the person is a gun hater, they will delay or deny your application.

mountainclmbr is very right. Just as in everything, personal opinion is involved much more than one would want to admit. Sometimes that can be good, and sometimes that can be bad.

defence18 · August 7, 2007, 12:15 PM

Quote:

One of the Head County Mountys down here has the same problem. His name is real close to a listed criminal and they all but fingerprint the guy everytime. Even showing his badge has no effect.

Anyone else find this incredibly funny?

akr · August 7, 2007, 12:17 PM

Yep.

Josh Smith · August 7, 2007, 12:18 PM

My name is Josh Smith - I go by it on almost every gun board as well.

Also, there are several with my name in this town.

I've never been turned down... maybe I've just been lucky. I do always provide my SS# though.

Even stranger - there is another Josh Smith in mid-southern Indiana who is one single digit off from me on my SS#. He is a convicted crimial. They wouldn't give me my driver's license, saying I have a DWI in IL (I don't visit IL!) until I got it cleared up with the IL State Police (which I did by faxing every piece of ID I had to them). During this time, I was able to make a handgun purchase, no problem.

Someone has their wires crossed someplace. If you've never had anything more than a speeding ticket you should be fine, and it's just a glitch.

Josh <><

GLK · August 7, 2007, 12:38 PM

Here in the Sunscam state we have the "instant" background check type system, perhaps just like all the other states(I don't know). In any case I am issued a conditional non approval approximately 50% of the time, I know it is wrong as do the clerks in the shops I deal with. It has no rhyme or reason and doesn't seem to follow any certain pattern. More often than not the approval call comes back the same day. A time or two I was cleared while the clerk stayed on the phone with the person doing the BGC until they check into it further and it is resolved. At worst it once took three days to be cleared. In the end I always get my gun.

P.S. For what its worth I always give my SSN.

North Bender · August 7, 2007, 12:39 PM

Josh, what law prevents you from buying a firearm if you have a DUI? Is that some state law? I would think that law would be illegal. The crimes that prevent you from buying a firearm are any felonys or drug or violence related.

9mmHP · August 7, 2007, 01:08 PM

If it's a "felony" in IL (meaning that you could receive a possible sentence of more than 1 year), or the other person is a fugitive from justice, those would be disqualifying.

brickeyee · August 7, 2007, 01:25 PM

"...what law prevents you from buying a firearm if you have a DUI? Is that some state law? "

Some states have made DUI a low level felony.

Edited to add:
I just checked Virginia and the third conviciton in a 10 year period is a class 6 Felony.

Barber2678 · August 7, 2007, 01:28 PM

I used to get delayed (from 15 minutes to 2 days) quite often until I got my SBR. Since then not once. I guess that since I am on file now, it makes it go through without a hitch.

chris in va · August 7, 2007, 01:41 PM

Quote:

He is a convicted crimial. They wouldn't give me my driver's license, saying I have a DWI in IL (I don't visit IL!)

Guys, guys...read his post a little more carefully.

SquattingDog · August 7, 2007, 02:11 PM

The only crime I committed besides a few speeding tickets was when I was 16 years old. I got a misdemanor charge. It wasn't for assault though and it was when I was a minor.

Don H · August 7, 2007, 03:38 PM

Don't think I knew that one had to be 21 to buy a handgun in PA. Learn someting new every day.

brickeyee · August 7, 2007, 03:59 PM

"Don't think I knew that one had to be 21 to buy a handgun in PA."

Federal law requires you to be 21 to purchase a handgun from an FFL.
Some states allow purchase from a non-FFL at 18.

blume357 · August 7, 2007, 04:43 PM

Don't know about PA but in my state, S.C., a CWP by-passes the check....they don't even call it in,, just write yout permit number down.... I suspect if I tried it the regular way I would be denied or delayed every time.

SquattingDog · August 7, 2007, 04:50 PM

thanks to everyone for their responses

mountainclmbr · August 7, 2007, 04:54 PM

A CWP or CCW Permit does not count toward anything in the background check here in Colorado. It used to bypass check requirements in Florida, but not sure if it still does.

joshua · August 7, 2007, 05:47 PM

If the name is very common lwould a change in name help? Something like Abdullah Hussein wouldn't be a very common name in the US...

sorry I'm just trying to give you guys a little smile. josh

et45 · August 7, 2007, 07:16 PM

I once got a delay because the serial no. of the gun was one digit away from one that had been reported stolen.

Lurper · August 7, 2007, 09:55 PM

Just relax dude, delays are commonplace. Wait the prescribed time and see what happens. NICS should have told your dealer that it was okay to transfer the firearm if they don't contact them by a certain date.

August 7, 2007, 10:38 AM	#1
SquattingDog Senior Member Join Date: September 4, 2006 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 239	I got denied trying to buy a handgun Here's the story.... Yesterday I turned 21. Years prior I've been planning out and wanting to buy a handgun (a springfield xd-9 to be exact). Well yesterday was the big day so I went off to Cabela's. Filled out all the paper work and waited the usual 15 minutes. I forget what she said they called it but they have to look more into my profile and it could take from 1-15 days. She says it could have something to do with my social being similar to someone else's or me having a popular name. Has this happen to anyone else? Oh yeah and I never did anything crime wise that would prevent from purchasing a handgun. __________________ The perfect gun is the one you have when someone is firing their perfect gun in your direction

August 7, 2007, 10:43 AM	#3
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 2,649	>>Oh yeah and I never did anything crime wise that would prevent from purchasing a handgun<<< Ever did anything that would generate a record? Anything at all? you would be surprised at the stuff that can be on a person's record. With a common name ( like mine ) delays can happen but its not the end of the world. Patience grasshopper..... let us know how it turns out. __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

August 7, 2007, 10:51 AM	#4
mountainclmbr Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2007 Location: On a mountain in the Colorado Rockies Posts: 966	The background check system was initially designed to deny as many people as possible, thus the name check. If the person doing your background check is a decent person, they will go on to the Social Security number if you provided it. If the person is a gun hater, they will delay or deny your application. I think the system is very badly flawed. I have never done anything to be denied, but have a common name. I am also on my 3rd renewal of my CCW permit. About 30% of the time I get delayed. Once I got denied, appealed and won the appeal. The other 60% of the time I am immediately approved. It seems that it is completely random. All I can say is fight for your rights and appeal if you get denied. __________________ "The unfettered free market has been the most radically destructive force in American life in the last generation." - Hillary Clinton

August 7, 2007, 01:28 PM	#15
Barber2678 Senior Member Join Date: June 22, 2006 Location: Mud Creek, Texas Posts: 263	I used to get delayed (from 15 minutes to 2 days) quite often until I got my SBR. Since then not once. I guess that since I am on file now, it makes it go through without a hitch. __________________ When in doubt ..... mumble!

August 7, 2007, 02:11 PM	#17
SquattingDog Senior Member Join Date: September 4, 2006 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 239	The only crime I committed besides a few speeding tickets was when I was 16 years old. I got a misdemanor charge. It wasn't for assault though and it was when I was a minor. __________________ The perfect gun is the one you have when someone is firing their perfect gun in your direction

August 7, 2007, 10:42 AM	#2
Trapper L Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 804	One of the Head County Mountys down here has the same problem. His name is real close to a listed criminal and they all but fingerprint the guy everytime. Even showing his badge has no effect. You'll probably have this same issue for every gun you buy that is registered.

August 7, 2007, 11:00 AM	#5
Casimer Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2007 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 1,913	I've never heard of there being a delay because of similar SSN's - names yes, but SSNs are unique to every individual. Maybe the clerk was mistaken, but when it comes through I'd try to find out what caused the hang-up. You'll want to be sure that someone hasn't been using your SSN.

August 7, 2007, 12:03 PM	#6
Action_Can_Do Senior Member Join Date: May 28, 2005 Posts: 227	I've had problems with my social security number. When I went to get my drivers license, I wasn't allowed as they didn't believe I was an 82 year old man. Don't be surprised if the Gov't screws up and gives your social to someone else to.

August 7, 2007, 12:17 PM	#9
akr Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,379	Yep.

August 7, 2007, 12:18 PM	#10
Josh Smith Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 2000 Location: Wabash IN Posts: 463	My name is Josh Smith - I go by it on almost every gun board as well. Also, there are several with my name in this town. I've never been turned down... maybe I've just been lucky. I do always provide my SS# though. Even stranger - there is another Josh Smith in mid-southern Indiana who is one single digit off from me on my SS#. He is a convicted crimial. They wouldn't give me my driver's license, saying I have a DWI in IL (I don't visit IL!) until I got it cleared up with the IL State Police (which I did by faxing every piece of ID I had to them). During this time, I was able to make a handgun purchase, no problem. Someone has their wires crossed someplace. If you've never had anything more than a speeding ticket you should be fine, and it's just a glitch. Josh <><

August 7, 2007, 12:38 PM	#11
GLK Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2000 Location: Brandon FL USA Posts: 435	Here in the Sunscam state we have the "instant" background check type system, perhaps just like all the other states(I don't know). In any case I am issued a conditional non approval approximately 50% of the time, I know it is wrong as do the clerks in the shops I deal with. It has no rhyme or reason and doesn't seem to follow any certain pattern. More often than not the approval call comes back the same day. A time or two I was cleared while the clerk stayed on the phone with the person doing the BGC until they check into it further and it is resolved. At worst it once took three days to be cleared. In the end I always get my gun. P.S. For what its worth I always give my SSN.

August 7, 2007, 12:39 PM	#12
North Bender Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2006 Location: Washington State Posts: 138	Josh, what law prevents you from buying a firearm if you have a DUI? Is that some state law? I would think that law would be illegal. The crimes that prevent you from buying a firearm are any felonys or drug or violence related.

August 7, 2007, 01:08 PM	#13
9mmHP Senior Member Join Date: February 14, 2007 Location: Indiana/Indpls Metro Area Posts: 318	If it's a "felony" in IL (meaning that you could receive a possible sentence of more than 1 year), or the other person is a fugitive from justice, those would be disqualifying.

August 7, 2007, 01:25 PM	#14
brickeyee Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2004 Posts: 3,342	"...what law prevents you from buying a firearm if you have a DUI? Is that some state law? " Some states have made DUI a low level felony. Edited to add: I just checked Virginia and the third conviciton in a 10 year period is a class 6 Felony.

August 7, 2007, 03:38 PM	#18
Don H Senior Member Join Date: May 9, 2000 Location: SLC,Utah Posts: 2,706	Don't think I knew that one had to be 21 to buy a handgun in PA. Learn someting new every day.

August 7, 2007, 03:59 PM	#19
brickeyee Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2004 Posts: 3,342	"Don't think I knew that one had to be 21 to buy a handgun in PA." Federal law requires you to be 21 to purchase a handgun from an FFL. Some states allow purchase from a non-FFL at 18.

August 7, 2007, 04:43 PM	#20
blume357 Senior Member Join Date: August 2, 2005 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 3,943	Wait it out Dog... should not be a problem...just a pain.. Don't know about PA but in my state, S.C., a CWP by-passes the check....they don't even call it in,, just write yout permit number down.... I suspect if I tried it the regular way I would be denied or delayed every time.

August 7, 2007, 04:50 PM	#21
SquattingDog Senior Member Join Date: September 4, 2006 Location: Bucks County, PA Posts: 239	thanks to everyone for their responses __________________ The perfect gun is the one you have when someone is firing their perfect gun in your direction

August 7, 2007, 04:54 PM	#22
mountainclmbr Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2007 Location: On a mountain in the Colorado Rockies Posts: 966	A CWP or CCW Permit does not count toward anything in the background check here in Colorado. It used to bypass check requirements in Florida, but not sure if it still does. __________________ "The unfettered free market has been the most radically destructive force in American life in the last generation." - Hillary Clinton

August 7, 2007, 05:47 PM	#23
joshua Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2004 Location: norCal Posts: 2,161	If the name is very common lwould a change in name help? Something like Abdullah Hussein wouldn't be a very common name in the US... sorry I'm just trying to give you guys a little smile. josh

August 7, 2007, 07:16 PM	#24
et45 Member Join Date: September 16, 2006 Posts: 23	I once got a delay because the serial no. of the gun was one digit away from one that had been reported stolen.

August 7, 2007, 09:55 PM	#25
Lurper Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2006 Posts: 943	Just relax dude, delays are commonplace. Wait the prescribed time and see what happens. NICS should have told your dealer that it was okay to transfer the firearm if they don't contact them by a certain date.