Temptation got the best of me the other day and I decided to buy a used pistol. This was my first time buying a pistol from a retail location and having to go through the transfer process. Any other pistols I own were transfers at the Rochester gun show where it was relatively painless. So I start by doing the NICS check through a computer system. During the NICS check I have to check a box assuring everyone that I'm OK to buy a gun because I haven't been arrested, committed, or done anything bad. Checking this box seemed a bit redundant to me since I thought the NICS system was supposed to know all the bad stuff, but whatever. Didn't think too much of it. I then had to fill out a hard copy form at the counter and check a box saying I haven't been arrested, committed, or done anything bad. I check the box and sign the form and again think it's a bit redundant.
The next day I go downtown to get my permit amended. I'm not a fan of driving downtown. I also had to arrange the trip with my wife and daughter so that we could put the pistol on her permit as well. As we were trying to find a parking spot I started becoming a bit more envious of those living in free states. We finally get into the clerk's office and luckily there wasn't much of a line. Once again I was asked to sign a form saying I haven't been arrested, committed, or done anything bad. I couldn't help but laugh at the pointless redundancy. Is having to state this over and over and over some sort of deterrent to criminals who want to own a pistol? I then filled out the transfer form to put the pistol on my wife's permit. She had to sign a form assuring big brother that she hasn't been arrested, committed, or done anything bad. One time. She only had to do it ONCE! No NICS check, and only signing one form and she gets the pistol on her permit. I was dumb enough to comment to the clerk that my wife wasn't required to get a NICS check to put the pistol on her license. The clerk responded "That's why a Brady check is required every 5 years. If it had been more than 5 years since her last Brady check she would have to go through that again." So buying a pistol requires a NICS check every time, but transferring a pistol only requires a check every 5 years. The absurdity of the whole thing begins to irritate me, but I manage to smile and thank the clerk for helping us before leaving. All set. Now I just need to go get the pistol from the store.
That night I went to the store to pick up the pistol on my way home from work. I present my permit, transfer card, and driver's license to the guy at the gun counter. He puts a form for me to fill out on the counter. I needed to check a box and sign to say I haven't been arrested, committed, or done anything bad.
Since the day before.
:Whiteflag:
The next day I go downtown to get my permit amended. I'm not a fan of driving downtown. I also had to arrange the trip with my wife and daughter so that we could put the pistol on her permit as well. As we were trying to find a parking spot I started becoming a bit more envious of those living in free states. We finally get into the clerk's office and luckily there wasn't much of a line. Once again I was asked to sign a form saying I haven't been arrested, committed, or done anything bad. I couldn't help but laugh at the pointless redundancy. Is having to state this over and over and over some sort of deterrent to criminals who want to own a pistol? I then filled out the transfer form to put the pistol on my wife's permit. She had to sign a form assuring big brother that she hasn't been arrested, committed, or done anything bad. One time. She only had to do it ONCE! No NICS check, and only signing one form and she gets the pistol on her permit. I was dumb enough to comment to the clerk that my wife wasn't required to get a NICS check to put the pistol on her license. The clerk responded "That's why a Brady check is required every 5 years. If it had been more than 5 years since her last Brady check she would have to go through that again." So buying a pistol requires a NICS check every time, but transferring a pistol only requires a check every 5 years. The absurdity of the whole thing begins to irritate me, but I manage to smile and thank the clerk for helping us before leaving. All set. Now I just need to go get the pistol from the store.
That night I went to the store to pick up the pistol on my way home from work. I present my permit, transfer card, and driver's license to the guy at the gun counter. He puts a form for me to fill out on the counter. I needed to check a box and sign to say I haven't been arrested, committed, or done anything bad.
Since the day before.
:Whiteflag:
Comment