Form 4 turnaround time?

[TAG]

Any idea how long it is taking for Form 4's to go through these days. I just sent one in today, and my dealer says they've laid off a number of the data processing types at the NFA Branch, so it's taking longer to get to the forms to the examiners.

 

[piratesover40]

Any idea how long it is taking for Form 4's to go through these days. I just sent one in today, and my dealer says they've laid off a number of the data processing types at the NFA Branch, so it's taking longer to get to the forms to the examiners.

6 weeks from check cashing.

 

[TAG]

Thanks. That's not as bad as I feared.

By the way, I like your tag line ''If We Aren't Supposed To Eat Animals, Why Are They Made Of Meat''? Since I first saw it on UT, I've been quoting it frequently, along with "Vegetarian is an old indian word for Poor Hunter."

 

[piratesover40]

Thanks. That's not as bad as I feared.

By the way, I like your tag line ''If We Aren't Supposed To Eat Animals, Why Are They Made Of Meat''? Since I first saw it on UT, I've been quoting it frequently, along with "Vegetarian is an old indian word for Poor Hunter."

Spread the word my son.

 

[OPinOKC]

6 weeks from check cashing.

or longer -- mine took 6 weeks from check cashing to pending, which it got to a week ago

 

[ORinTX]

or longer -- mine took 6 weeks from check cashing to pending, which it got to a week ago

My last ones went about 4 weeks from mailing to pending and another 8 weeks from pending to approved. Depends a lot on your examiner these days, it seems.

 

[jtl1952]

Just this week I had a Form 4 for a private individual out of state to in-state dealer transfer come back approved. It took almost exactly 3 months mailbox to mailbox. From what I've seen lately, this is about average with some taking less & some more.
I have one for another gun that was mailed on November 7 that I expect to see back next month (February). This one is for an in-state transfer - dealer to me.

 

[piratesover40]

I'm just going by what the guy told me last Fri. when I called. But you're right it all depends on your examiner. But from check cash to pending is about 6wks. After that who knows.

 

[kaen3e]

ok so how do I find out who is my examiner.

 

[piratesover40]

Ask your C3 it goes by his FFL.

 

[garysgun]

Why in hell should it take that long? I just faxed a form 3 in and it was back to me in about a week. I know they have to do some sort of a background check but why not use the NICS check and be done with it. If someones past
is a bit cloudy so be it but why should they all take so long? It used to be 90 days atleast when they were in Washington. You would think the $200 per form 4 would speed it up. Or how about as fast as they cash the check!!!
My 2 cents Gary M

 

[edgepulse]

I am going on three months. In PENDING status now on second transfer.

 

[AK43]

I sent two form 4's off 11-20-08. BATF recieved them on the 24th, checks cashed on the 26th nov 2008. They have not went pending yet!!

 

[linemen339]

How can you tell what state your from 4 is in? New to the FA club. Just sent in my first one this week....

 

[GOFO]

lineman339
When you pay the transfer/registration fee do so with a personal check. You may then know when it was cashed. You may then call the NFA at 304-616-4500 (allow 4-6 weeks b/4 calling) to verify status. When calling have the serial number ready. Then wait another 4 to 8 weeks for approval (depends on examiner and transferee (individusl,trust, of corporate)). Anyway you will be READY when you get your new toy.
Bill

 

[WB5MHA]

http://www.texassmallarmsresearch.com/Info/Info.htm

Local dealer website posts quarterly wait times. I don't know about its accuracy or where information came from but it's interesting.

 

[rory]

form 5 - 3 weeks (dewat=no tax)
form4 to my dealer in ohio 6 weeks
these were both in the last month

 

[linemen339]

Thanks Bill,
The dealer is paying the tax. So i won't be able to see when the check clears. I will have to just wait a month or so and call to see where I stand. I can't wait to put a few 1000 down range when I get it. "full size Uzi"
Thanks again for the info. Patrick

lineman339
When you pay the transfer/registration fee do so with a personal check. You may then know when it was cashed. You may then call the NFA at 304-616-4500 (allow 4-6 weeks b/4 calling) to verify status. When calling have the serial number ready. Then wait another 4 to 8 weeks for approval (depends on examiner and transferee (individusl,trust, of corporate)). Anyway you will be READY when you get your new toy.
Bill

 

[Stoverarms]

Between the holidays and vacations things have slowed down a bit at NFA Branch. Transfers that were going though in 8 weeks are now taking 12 weeks. As for a pending status...this can be a very narrow window these days. I have seen things in the past not pending one day and the forms arrive by mail within a week. The best advise has already been posted. Use a personal check to make sure NFA branch has your paperwork then sit back and wait. I know this last part is hard to do, but slowing down the examiners to check if your pending or not is not getting anyone's paperwork done any faster. Bill

 

[Hawksnest]

I have nothing but praise for the folks at ATF in West Virginia. Unlike the former clerks and examiners in Washington D.C. the folks in West Virgina work.

From what I have heard the work load and volume increased in West Virginia and yet they still complete the transfers is less time than the folks in Washington D.C ever did.


One frustrating observation on my current form 4 transfer application. I mailed everything by priority mail, with delivery confirmation, to Atlanta. Everything sat in the Atlanta post office box from Tuesday morning until someone bothered to pick it up on Friday. Perhaps some of the Washington D.C. workers transferred to Atlanta?