Where Gun Permits are Alternatives to NICS

Gun Watch ^ | 11 October, 2016 | Dean Weingarten

[marktwain]

Map made with mapchart.net

In the 1993 Brady bill, exemptions for the background checks were provided for people who had undergone the background check for state gun permits.  Not all states meet the federal requirements.  For example, the background check for the permit system must go through the National Instant Check System (NICS) and it must have been done within the last five years.  That is why most state permits are renewed every five years. From gunlaws.com:

The statute provides the following exceptions to the national instant background check system:

1. The transferee presents to the licensee a permit which was issued not more than 5 years earlier by the State in which the transfer is to take place and which allows the transferee to possess or acquire a firearm, and the law of the State provides that such a permit is to be issued only after an authorized government official has verified that available information does not indicate that possession of a firearm by the transferee would be in violation of the law;

In addition, some states, such as Illinois, have their own state background check system.  While the permit may meet the federal requirement, the state still requires a state check for their system.

A glance at the map reveals many surprising juxtapositions.  For example, Missouri recently became a permitless or "Constitutional carry" state.  But the legislature has not bothered to have their permit meet the requirements for the holders to be exempt from the federal NICS checks.

Here is the list of states that qualify. The list is from atf.gov: and was last updated as of June 10th, 2014. There are 25 states permits that qualify.  I am not including the California "Entertainment Firearms Permit".

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

©2016 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

[marktwain]

Not all states take advantage of the provision to exempt people with permits from the NICS requirements.

[marktwain]

Here is the link to the article:

http://gunwatch.blogspot.com/2016/10/where-gun-permits-are-alternatives-to.html

[Gaffer]

I’m on my 4th permit, each one 5 years. I haven’t had a NICS check in all those years for any gun purchase I’ve made.

The cost for them compared to the $5 charge for the NICS check has been more than repaid.

[TonyM]

Its great. As a retired military in Alabama I got a 5 year permit at no charge and no class is required. Last couple of my gun purchases were made quicker by not having to wait for them to call it in. Still have to fill out the form but by now I can do that blindfolded. Would be nice if you could have a bunch of the forms filled out in advanced on computer but according to one of my frequently used gun stores it has to be filled out at the store and at the time of purchase. Still, the conceled carry permit is great. I also suggest joining the Conceled Carry Association and get the insurance, it is $30 a month but if you ever have to use your weapon it will be worth it and if you hopefully nerver have to it is still worth the peace of mind.

[556x45]

So much red including my home state. I think its time to contact my state rep and senator.

[Oatka]

For example, Missouri recently became a permitless or "Constitutional carry" state. But the legislature has not bothered to have their permit meet the requirements for the holders to be exempt from the federal NICS checks.

Go for that the next time around, then the same for the state.

Small steps, small steps.

[jim_trent]

I am curious that Nebraska is listed on the map as a permit NOT being an alternative to NICS. I have bought many guns in the last 20 or so years (since NICS was first instigated) and have NEVER had a NICS check. The dealers have taken my purchase permit instead of making a phone call.

[marktwain]

You are correct. I do not know how the mistake got there, but it did. I cannot change an article once it is on Freerepublic.