I just got this email:
Maybe you can give me some advice....back a few months ago I decided to buy a new shot gun from an out of state online source. The gun was purchased and was sent to an FFL dealer where I had specified for the transfer of the firearm. After going through the required paperwork , the dealer made a quick phone call to whomever he had to ...and he told me I was denied for the purchase. I have never been convicted of any felony. It sure made me feel like dirt though. Is there any advice you can give me to find out why this happened? I really feel that my constitutional rights have been violated, and it upsets me to this day. I am an avid hunter and sport shooter as well as a responsible law abiding citizen... Anything you could recommend would greatly be appreciated....My reply:
I'm not a lawyer, so take everything I say with several grains of salt.
There have been mistakes in the system--I'm assuming it went through NICS--perhaps your name is similar to someone else's. I remember reading where Teddy Kennedy was accidentally put on the "No Fly" list.
And you don't need to be a felon to be a prohibited person. Misdemeano
And you don't need to be a felon to be a prohibited person. Misdemeanor domestic violence will kick you out, as will a dishonorable discharge, and some other reasons...If there's anything in your past or present--like a restraining order, commonly issued in divorce proceedings as a matter of course, even though you didn't do anything wrong, you don't even want to touch a gun--at least in front of witnesses.
I can ask around, and I will--I'll post this on WarOnGuns, keeping your name totally anonymous, of course. Perhaps we can get you in touch with a friendly dealer who can run a check for you and see if your name kicks out again. If it does, the only other thing I can suggest is to get a lawyer to help you get to the bottom of this.Please feel free to educate us both in comments.
UPDATE: Here's the FBI's appeal denial procedure brochure.
I can ask around, and I will--I'll post this on WarOnGuns, keeping your name totally anonymous, of course. Perhaps we can get you in touch with a friendly dealer who can run a check for you and see if your name kicks out again. If it does, the only other thing I can suggest is to get a lawyer to help you get to the bottom of this.Please feel free to educate us both in comments.
UPDATE: Here's the FBI's appeal denial procedure brochure.