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Posted: 7/7/2026 7:39:37 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ILikeFtLbs][Edited]
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I got an e-form 4 approval on a silencer today. When I went to pick up, the dealer made me fill out State and Federal background paperwork. I thought this was weird (normally just do a 4473), but did what they asked. Since the VSP check system is down or backlogged, it’s stuck in submitted and I’m delayed. I’ve bought many cans over the years and never had to do a new background check after ATF approval. I asked the dealer and was simply told that the VSP requires them to do a separate check before transfer. I normally don’t use this dealer, but the manufacturer picked them, and they are a silencer shop vendor. Is this new? |
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Originally Posted By ILikeFtLbs: I was just under the impression that once the ATF approval was done, the dealer only has to fill out a 4473 and that there is an NICS exemption based on the ATF approval. |
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After Form 4 approvals, I have never done anything more than fill out the federal form (which they just file; no background check done). I do not recall anything in the new laws impacting NFA transfers, except if the item would be considered an "AW". It could be your dealer is confused. |
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Originally Posted By jd2395: I've had to do it at Hansohn bros every time You have had to do a 4473, but not the VA form or the background check. Ive done over a dozen NFA transactions with Hansohn Brothers and everytime I pick something up Ray is very specific that I don't need to provide my SSN on the 4473 because no background check is being done. |
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The dealer I used to use for Form 4 transfers never made me do an additional background check after the Form 4 cleared, as the NICS check is part of the NFA process. I just filled out the 4473 (and maybe the state form, can’t remember) and took my can home. They decided to close their business in 2023, and all the dealers I have used since then insist on another BGC at the time of transfer. |
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Federally, no check is required beyond the ATF check for NFA transfers. Some states do require checks. Here in WI, a “handgun” is defined differently for purposes of carry vs purposes of transfer. AOWs require a state check, as do SBRs and SBSes that are PGO. Arguably, PGO DDs (M203 in a PGO standalone) do too. |
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Originally Posted By hamb0ne: The dealer I used to use for Form 4 transfers never made me do an additional background check after the Form 4 cleared, as the NICS check is part of the NFA process. I just filled out the 4473 (and maybe the state form, can’t remember) and took my can home. They decided to close their business in 2023, and all the dealers I have used since then insist on another BGC at the time of transfer. My LGS where I have bought or transferred all but one NFA item only required filling out the 4473. Bought one can from Silencer shop, the dealer claimed he was required to call it in. He heard me tell another customer I know the law better than the dealer. Dealer then admitted he was a liar. I posted this before, Aim Surplus (near me) said they also call them in. This was when F4 took over a year, imagine risking a hold after waiting that long. |
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Originally Posted By VaFish: You have had to do a 4473, but not the VA form or the background check. Ive done over a dozen NFA transactions with Hansohn Brothers and everytime I pick something up Ray is very specific that I don't need to provide my SSN on the 4473 because no background check is being done. You don’t need to provide your ssn on the 4473 because it’s not required for any transfer. |
ProTip: Never pick a fight with a tree planter. He swings a hoedad for 9 hours a day, carries 30-40 pounds of seedlings on his back, and has 12-14 friends just like him hiding out on the other side of the junk butt pile. They will fuck your shit up.
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FFL07/02 here. If you look at the part of the 4473 that we fill out, it specifically states to check a box if the transfer is part of an NFA transfer and no NICS check is required. Its also in the instructions on the 4473(instructions take up 4 or 5 of the 7 page form) Just like running a NICS when people have a valid CCW(many states allow you to use a CCW instead of NICS), running a NICS on an NFA transfer is a waste of time and energy. Id rather not risk it coming back delayed and then having to make another appointment with the customer for zero extra pay. |
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Originally Posted By FredMan: You don’t need to provide your ssn on the 4473 because it’s not required for any transfer. Originally Posted By FredMan: Originally Posted By VaFish: You have had to do a 4473, but not the VA form or the background check. Ive done over a dozen NFA transactions with Hansohn Brothers and everytime I pick something up Ray is very specific that I don't need to provide my SSN on the 4473 because no background check is being done. You don’t need to provide your ssn on the 4473 because it’s not required for any transfer. Its not required, but depending upon your name and other people with similar names and criminal history it can speed up your background check. |
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