PICS Check delay -- should I be concerned?

[dgood71]

The last 2 times I went to buy a gun there was a delay when the dealer called in for the background check. Both times the dealer had to wait on the line to speak to someone in person. I think that's not usually how it works -- I thought the process was fully automated for most of the calls.

Am I wrong about the full automation? If not, any ideas why someone would need to talk to the dealer in person?

I don't have a criminal record and I was approved both times, but I'm just wondering what might make me "special" enough to need a live person on the line? Just dumb luck? Or might there be some sort of flag on me that requires a little extra attention?

I know diddley squat about how the system works, so hopefully someone can shed some light. I'll be making another purchase in the near future; it'll be interesting to see if the "trend" continues...

[Conglomeration Al]

The three or so times I've bought or sold pistols at FFL's they have always had a live person on the line. I remember one time the store owner described me to the person on the other end as a "Tall, skinny guy with brown hair."

I don't think it's anything unusual.

[crlovel]

The people whom THEY are keeping the most careful watch on get live PICS people.

[knight0334]

Only be moderately concerned. Delays happen to clean & clear people all because they have a similar name and/or appearance as a prohibited person. If you've been given a "go ahead" before after a delay you should be ok. And if you you get a denial, and are clear of any prohibiting issues, its not bad to have reversed.

[HiredGoon]

You might have a common name or a name that is similar to a bad guy and they are taking the extra steps to verify your identity.

[arjohnson]

The people whom THEY are keeping the most careful watch on get live PICS people.

I can beleive this because every time I buy a gun a live person gets on the phone and it takes about 10 minutes. I also got a delay one time and had to wait 15 days to pic up my pistol, never was given a reason.

[knight0334]

The people whom THEY are keeping the most careful watch on get live PICS people.

Hell, I have my own government satellite as well as getting an operator on each PICS call.

[S&WM&P40]

I was told that everyone few pics check a store runs they will be connected to a living person, the others are done by computer. It is randomized to make sure everything is good

[dgood71]

It's nice to know it ain't just me.

It could be the common name thing... I did a lookup on my name on the Cumberland county judicial docket search and there are a few repeat offenders with my first and last name.

[Skullz]

It is randomized to make sure everything is good

It's randomized to keep the PICS clerks employed. Hey, if a computer could do it all... Wait. Isn't that what they PICS clerks do? Look at a computer screen?

There must be some serious technical challenge to instituting a choice based electronic system if there is a question.

Computer System: Please enter the date of birth
FFL on the keypad: 011263
Computer System: What color eyes? Press "1" for blue, "2" for brown, "3" for green
FFL on the keypad: 2
Computer System: Please wait
Computer System: Approval number 1223548963

Ya know? I think the credit card companies should do something like this... I'm gonna make millions! <sarcasm off>