Voluntary Appeal File????

[GUNS-R-US]

So has anybody ever filed a Voluntary Appel File with the FBI? I'm considering doing it, because I'm standing at about a 75% delay rate for the NICS check. To many people with the same name I guess. According to www.howmanyofme.com their are 954 people in the U.S. with Michael Kramer for a name and 72,273 with the same last name. One of them is bound to have a felony for something. Their must be something like that out their because the delays are becoming more common. I can't remember the last time I bought a firearm and wan't delayed. I can't think of anything else to do besides the VAF! Any insight ya'll have would be appreciated. 

[Walter45Auto]

Some states' concealed handgun licenses exempt you from a NICS check.  (Texas is thankfully one of them.)

[fightingquaker13]

So has anybody ever filed a Voluntary Appel File with the FBI? I'm considering doing it, because I'm standing at about a 75% delay rate for the NICS check. To many people with the same name I guess. According to www.howmanyofme.com their are 954 people in the U.S. with Michael Kramer for a name and 72,273 with the same last name. One of them is bound to have a felony for something. Their must be something like that out their because the delays are becoming more common. I can't remember the last time I bought a firearm and wan't delayed. I can't think of anything else to do besides the VAF! Any insight ya'll have would be appreciated. 

Given that you are military, could you maybe get a JAG lawyer to do it for you? If you're on some sort of watch list you would think it could create security clearance issues as well as hassels in buying a gun. Plus, having Uncle Sam's letter head on the form to the FBI might make things easier. Just a thought.
FQ13

[blackwolfe]

I'm not sure what a Voluntary Appeal File is.  I think on the 4473 form there is a spot where you can enter a "Unique Identification Number".  At least I think that is what it is called.  It's my understanding that people can get this number that have a situation like yours where they are delayed or turned down on the NICS check when there is not a reason to turn them down, such as a bad guy with a similar name.  Is the Voluntary Appeal File the way to get the the Unique Identification Number?  I would do it, it may be a hassle to go through the process, but I would think it would be worth if you could avoid  being delayed most of the time as you are now.

For what it is worth, a friend of mine use to be an FFL dealer, and had no problem getting his FFL or renewing it.  Everytime he tried to transfer a firearm to himself, he was delayed.

[GUNS-R-US]

Some states' concealed handgun licenses exempt you from a NICS check.  (Texas is thankfully one of them.)

Washington used to be the same way but the liberals managed to get it changed back around 2000 or so.

I'm not sure what a Voluntary Appeal File is.  I think on the 4473 form there is a spot where you can enter a "Unique Identification Number".  At least I think that is what it is called.  It's my understanding that people can get this number that have a situation like yours where they are delayed or turned down on the NICS check when there is not a reason to turn them down, such as a bad guy with a similar name.  Is the Voluntary Appeal File the way to get the the Unique Identification Number?  I would do it, it may be a hassle to go through the process, but I would think it would be worth if you could avoid  being delayed most of the time as you are now.

For what it is worth, a friend of mine use to be an FFL dealer, and had no problem getting his FFL or renewing it.  Everytime he tried to transfer a firearm to himself, he was delayed.

I don't know if you get a Unique Identification number or not but from what I read on the FBI webpage the NICS check system requires them to destroy the background check on you each time get delayed on a gun purchase within 24 hour of notification that you passed or failed the check. So every time you buy a gun they go through the same process. My understanding is if you submit at VAF they keep that on file so when you go for an NICS check they know your not the guy with a felony or what ever is causing your delay. I reckon my concern is whether I should do this or not because they are keeping your file with all your info and they know that you regularly buy guns, kinda like a mini gun registry. I know the FBI is a decent and reasonably trust worthy organization but it is the government. Even though I work for the government I don't fully trust them! I tried to attached a copy of the brochure that that you fill out and submit with your finger prints but it was to big. If you google it will come right up. I'm hoping someone else on here has gone though this process and can tell me a little more about it. Florida, Oregon, and Washington essential all have the same information on record for my CCW's from those states so I'm probably focusing on a non-issue. If someone here has done it, or can't give me good reason not to do it, I probably will do it, because I'm really tired of getting delayed!

[Sponsor]

[bjtraz]

It is my understanding that the "Unique Identification Number" is a number that applies to the state you live in. If they require a state license, or as Illinois does with their FOIS card. We require no such thing in Missouri, so BATFE said it did not apply to any 4473 that I fill out. 

Brian

[Magoo]

Go here for the Text and to Apply for one.

http://www.atf.gov/press/releases/2004/12/121504-openletter-ffl-fbi-nics.pdf

[m25operator]

GRS, I used to have this problem as well, as I have a hispanic Surname, I am sure there are many guys in Jail or worse that share my name, I hate putting down my SS#, but since I have done that on the 4473 form, not a problem anymore.

[GUNS-R-US]

GRS, I used to have this problem as well, as I have a hispanic Surname, I am sure there are many guys in Jail or worse that share my name, I hate putting down my SS#, but since I have done that on the 4473 form, not a problem anymore.

Yea M25 I alway list my SSN on the 4473 as the military uses it for everything I'm not worried about using it. But it does not seem to matter. Maybe I should leave it off and see if I pass???

[Yog]

Yes, you should omit your SS# and see what happens. 

As a person who calls into NICS often, it's amazing what omitting a SS# will accomplish.  By adding a SS#, it allows an additional level of checks to be performed. 

If I have a customer who is delayed w/o a SS#, I will ask the NICS operator if the SS# will help.  Most often, they say "no", but once in a blue moon it will help. 

Hope this helps! 

Joel N.
"Yog" (in Alaska)