SO-CALLED "UNIVERSAL"
BACKGROUND CHECKS

There are a few glaring problems with so-called "universal" background checks. NSSF urges lawmakers to ensure that the current Background Check System has the proper resources to guarantee it's operating as effectively and efficiently as Congress intended it to.

"Universal" background checks on private party firearm transactions not only impose heavy regulatory burdens on federally licensed retailers, but they would also require a national gun registry, which is unlawful, have no effect on criminals, pose a confiscation risk for law-abiding gun owners and open retailers up to unprecedented liability exposure.

BACKGROUND CHECKS VS.
"UNIVERSAL BACKGROUND CHECKS"

Under current federal law (the Brady Act), federally licensed firearms retailers must run a background check through the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) – National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)¹ on the buyer before transferring the firearm (new or used) to that individual. The retailer must conduct the NICS check regardless of whether the transfer takes place at the licensed premises or at a gun show. Our industry has long supported the current NICS background check system.

Some members of Congress and gun-control organizations now advocate expanding the Brady Act to require background checks for every firearm transfer in the United States between private citizens, [...] .....