15 years ago one weekend, the government was intentionally holding back approvals on background checks so that they could make some sort of statement for the media.
It was then I applied for and got my CCW which obviates the need to have a background check. The cost of the license ended up saving me a bunch of money over the years because of the number of guns I purchased and didn’t have to spend the $5.....
For private sales/purchases, I always just copy down drivers lic. info and ask if they are a felon... just to cover my backside in case I'm ever forced into some sort of questioning by authorities.
When WA State held up the background check for my husband on the grounds of being short handed, my husband already had a concealed carry license.