The National Shoot Sports Foundation (NSSF) and McKeon & Associates released study findings that concluded that far fewer Americans think that universal background checks are necessary at gun shows than was originally reported. The report on universal background check written by the NSSF goes on to point out the sharp contrast between their findings and what has been commonly reported by the media. The NSSF/McKeon study showed that 40 percent of Americans surveyed believe that gun show universal background checks are needed, which is dramatically different from the 90 percent statistic many media sources like to use.
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Huge Disparity in Numbers
Why is there such a large difference in the numbers? Knowledge seems to be the key here. When the surveyed individuals learned that the majority of vendors at gun shows are licensed gun dealers with FFLs who already regularly perform National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) checks on gun sales, it gave them a different frame of mind. It’s very easy for people to agree with the idea of universal background checks when the only perspective presented is that criminals are walking into gun shows and just buying guns, and that universal background checks would prevent this from happening.
Only when the reality of the situation gets placed in front of people that they change their minds. It makes perfect sense that the majority of sales at gun shows would be through a licensed individual or gun dealer. Wholesalers and manufacturers of firearms won’t sell their products to anyone who isn’t licensed. Thus, a federal firearms license is required to actually get any inventory to sell at a gun show. Gun show patrons will be much more likely to gravitate towards vendors with a selection than someone who only has a handful of items to sell. Therefore, most sales will be through someone who is performing a background check.
NICS vs UBC
So-called universal background checks (UBC) are not currently a thing. Instead, sales are subjected to NICS checks. Expanding this to requiring UBCs would impact private party firearm transactions, impose heavy regulatory burdens on federally licensed retailers, add significant costs, pose logistical nightmares, lead to unacceptable delays in processing NICS checks, and open retailers to unprecedented liability exposure.
Proponents of UBCs claim the measure solves the problem of access to firearms by prohibited persons but the glaring problem with “Universal Background Checks” is that they are unenforceable without a mandatory national firearm registry. Law abiding gun owners are well aware that historically firearm registration leads to confiscation.
Ironically enough, the same Federal law that requires FFLs to conduct NICS checks also makes UBCs illegal. That’s because UBCs would require a national firearms registry, which is forbidden by both the 1986 GCA and the 1993 Brady Bill.
No Impact on Criminals
Since criminals are unable to pass the current NICS checks, they already get their guns on the black market. As a result, implementing UBCs would do absolutely nothing to stem the tide of illegal firearms. Instead, it would only add more burden and regulation to private citizens and FFL holders.
Join the Fight
The NSSF surveyed FFL holders nationwide, and they overwhelmingly voiced their feelings about UBCs, with an overall rating of 85.8 percent opposed to it. Moreover, 95.9 percent said they felt implementing UBCs would have no impact on how criminals get their guns, but that 59.6 percent said it would negatively impact their business.
The best way to make your voice heard in the fight against UBCs is to become an FFL yourself and levy the power that you’ll then have as a business owner to help prevent the eventual creation of a national gun registry.
FFL123 can help easily guide you through the process of getting your FFL, with a 150 percent money-back guarantee. Get started today!
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I would greatly appreciate all the information I can get on obtaining a FFL license in West Virginia. Thank you for your time.
As a federal process. it is the same in every state sir. We do have help for any local issues at a state level and city level… we can help you ensure all items covered before applying to ensure a rapid approval!
I like background checks for anyone who wants to buy a firearm. Including friends or family. You have to hold them and yourself to the same standards! Honesty is the best policy.
On the other hand I have grave thoughts to a national background data base. That opens doors for possible lawx to be made that may leafd to hard restrictions.
very true
totally understand
I need to know if since I am a disabled veteran and am diagnosed with PTSD does this prevent me from being able to obtain my FFL and Class 3 license
Nope, no impact sir
No impact sir.