I was going to put this is GD, but Who knows what ind of answers I would have gotten over there.

I am picking up a new rifle from a FFL that I haven't used before, he seems like a great guy to work with and so far there hasn't been any hassles.  

In talking to him the other day, I asked if it would be all right if I picked the gun up on Sunday after work, at around 7:30-8:00 pm.  He said that he didn't have any problems with it but wasn't sure if he could get the NICS check done because it would be so late.  

So, the question is, does anyone know if the NICS system shuts down at a specific time, or is it a 24/7 thing?  I would hate to have to drive out to him just to find out that they shut the system down at 6:00 or something.

Thanks

No, it's NOT 24/7. They do go 7 days a week as there's gun shows every weekend somewhere in the country.

I cannot recall if they change hours from M-F versus S-S?  Seems like they do go to 9-10pm CST most nights. If you're EST, then 8pm may indeed borderline, if not too late.

You could go down & fill out the 4473 a day earlier & have him run it before you take delivery. Seems like there's a 24 hr window to do this? You could probably find this info on the BATF web site, possibly the NRA web site? Your dealer should know too.

What he cannot do is run your check before you fill out the 4473, it has to be done after you fill it out & sign it!

Hope this helps!

Hope this is current:

NICS Information:
Customer Service
1-877-444-NICS (6427)


www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/nics.htm

www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/nics/index.htm

The NICS is customarily available 17 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays (except for Christmas).

If you have time beforehand, go fill it out and run it.  You have a 72 hour (IIRC) window AFTER approval to pick it up wihtout having to run another check.

They open at 7am EST and close at 1am EST.