Form used to buy a gun

[Guest Jamesmb]

This question might not be in the right category, forgive me if not, but has to to with that form used, maybe in connection with the NICS check. Not sure the correct term of the form, but when I bought a gun from a gun dealer, there was an optional blank that asked for your social security number. I was wondering what they did with that particular info. It might tell on the form but I can not remember. Is that used if gun is stolen to somehow locate you?

[molonlabetn]

The form is called a 4473. It's an ATF transfer form.

The SSN# is for the state to use when conducting the background check, to reduce the possibility of you being mistaken for another person with the same or similar name. The TBI destroys it's records daily (at least every 72hrs), and the only copy with your info on it is kept by the FFL holder you bought the gun from.

[Guest Mugster]

To trace a firearm, they contact the maker, who tells them where it was shipped. There's a pretty good chance they can pin it down to an FFL holder. All it takes then is a look in the FFL holder's records to see who was the original retail purchaser. These records are forwarded to the ATF at the time of death of the FFL holder, or they are supposed to be.

[Guest bkelm18]

If you have a common name, it might be better to include your social, if not, then you shouldn't have any problems if you don't supply it.

[molonlabetn]

I have included my SSN on a few occassions, when dealing with FFLs I trusted to keep my information secure.

[Guest Jamesmb]

Ok thanks all for the fast reply. I have bought two guns recently and included my ssn on the form, reflecting back, was wondering if I had done the right thing. Seems to put my mind at ease now.

[Guest bulletproof]

Hopefully the FFLs know how to keep the records secure. Just a few months ago I was going thru some old files and discovered I had a file that contained information on over 32,000 people including names, addresses, and their SSN#s. I destroyed it using a hammer and fire. That seemed to work pretty good. I still wonder what something like that might sell for.

[Guest CrazyLincoln]

*Doctor Evil Voice* One Million Dollars......

[The Rabbi]

I have included my SSN on a few occassions, when dealing with FFLs I trusted to keep my information secure.

You'd better include it on all 4473s you fill out in this state. My understanding is that TBI will not process a 4473 without that info.

And yes, they do destroy the info. Even so it is hard to get. One time I had gotten an approval very late and didnt print it off or note the number, figuring to go back this next morning and do it. When I looked on the computer it was gone. The clerk at TBI spent 20 minutes with me searching the records, based on when I had submitted the form.

[molonlabetn]

You'd better include it on all 4473s you fill out in this state. My understanding is that TBI will not process a 4473 without that info.

And yes, they do destroy the info. Even so it is hard to get. One time I had gotten an approval very late and didnt print it off or note the number, figuring to go back this next morning and do it. When I looked on the computer it was gone. The clerk at TBI spent 20 minutes with me searching the records, based on when I had submitted the form.

I've never been denied or delayed, and I leave that field blank more often than not...

Having seen how the TICS system works first-hand, recently, they process just fine without the SSN.

[Guest canynracer]

Just get Life-Lock...

then you will be safe...

[Mike.357]

Gander Mountain in Farragut requires your SSN to purchase a gun. They will not run the 4473 without it.

[Guest bkelm18]

Gander Mountain in Farragut requires your SSN to purchase a gun. They will not run the 4473 without it.

Doesn't it say optional on the form?

[Guest canynracer]

Doesn't it say optional on the form?

the form I filled out did...maybe its a store rule??

[molonlabetn]

the form I filled out did...maybe its a store rule??

No store can require you to disclose your SSN... of course, they aren't required to sell to you either. It would be best to talk to a manager if this is a problem, perhaps they would accept a DL# instead for their records.

[Mike.357]

yep. store rule. Form says it is optional, clerk behind the counter says GM has to have it there

[Guest triggertime]

You'd better include it on all 4473s you fill out in this state. My understanding is that TBI will not process a 4473 without that info.

That's a myth. It is optional. With every firearm I have bought in TN, I have not provided my SSN# on the 4473. I have never been denied or 'pending' and

have never had a problem.

If you are a dealer, you just tell the TBI "not provided" when they ask for it and they will automatically get it from the buyers drivers license or handgun carry permit record.

[Guest Len]

I've gotta say I'm not real happy about any store that wants my SSN for any reason. That number was originally designed to be between you and federal govt, and privacy advocates suggest you dont even carry your SS card on your person as a method of preventing identity theft.

I know several victims of identity theft. While it often does not cost much money in the end, it can be a long-term pain in the butt. ALL of them now NEVER give their SSN to anyone.

Obvioulsy the store can do what it wishes, but as consumers we could choose to go elsewhere. I generally do not provide my SSN on the 4473 and have never had a problem. YEMV.

yep. store rule. Form says it is optional, clerk behind the counter says GM has to have it there

[The Rabbi]

I got off the phone with Doug Woodley who runs the background check program for TBI.

My information was out of date. It had been the case that TBI would not process without it. That is no longer so, for a variety of technical reasons.

So the rule is, yes, it is optional. On the other hand, it will help prevent getting denied because your name is similar to that of a prohibited person. And that's happened.

Apologies for giving mis-information.

[Guest canynracer]

***falls out of chair**** did, umm, did HE just....ummm..did Rabbi just submit???

just kidding.....

[Guest canynracer]

...On the other hand, it will help prevent getting denied because your name is similar to that of a prohibited person. And that's happened.

yep...ever google search your name???

I included my SSN...