Do “instant check” and “point-of-sale check” systems qualify as NICS alternatives?
BATF says existing state “instant check” and “point-of-sale” checks, as currently configured, will not qualify as alternatives to NICS. The key word is “currently.” As of this writing, all states with existing “instant check” systems are expected to include a NICS check by Nov. 30, 1998, thus meeting the requirement. The change should be unnoticeable to buyers and dealers. What does the NICS system contain that a state background check system doesn`t? NICS will provide a more extensive background check of the purchaser than systems that contain only criminal records. NICS will include records from the Department of Defense concerning dishonorable discharges, records from the State Department regarding people who have renounced their citizenship and other information not available in criminal records. My qualifying state permit exempts me from NICS checks, but are there other exemptions? Purchases of firearms that are subject to the National Firearms Act (i.e. machine guns, destructive
