Hmmm....
No, I don’t think so.
When I purchase a weapon the weapon information is not provided, just my name and personal information to see if I’m on a “list of wanted” or something someplace. The information about the weapon is NOT provided to anyone.
Not exactly. Info about the weapon IS provide to someone. Both you and the dealer complete the ATF Form 4473. The dealer adds the weapon S/N, make & mdl among other things. Once the transaction completes the dealer files the form and the ATF is at liberty to inspect it. Its not at all uncommon for the ATF to ‘browse’ 4473s looking for particular weapons (usually of the non-PC variety). They photocopy those and take them back to the office where it’s speculated they enter a (illegal) database.
NICS has been known to keep the data provided to them for the check rather than deleting it as required by law. In fact, IIRC, they’ve been defunded for it in the past but it hasn’t mattered.
Also, you must not have bought a firearm in a very long time, since the 4473 has had a spot on it to enter the make, model and s/n of the firearm(s) you are purchasing for quite a while now: http://www.ocshooters.com/Gen/Form-4473/ATF-Form-4473.htm