When you buy a firearm from a federally licensed dealer, the background check—primarily through the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) —searches for factors that would legally disqualify you from ownership. The primary things a background check looks for include:
: A dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces. Identity & Citizenship Status
According to FBI data, most checks are completed within minutes, resulting in one of three statuses: what do background checks look for when buying a gun
: No disqualifying records found; the sale can move forward.
: Confirming the buyer meets the minimum age requirements (typically 18 for long guns and 21 for handguns). Common Outcome Scenarios When you buy a firearm from a federally
: Evidence that the buyer is an "unlawful user of or addicted to" controlled substances. Mental Health & Military History
: The FBI needs up to three business days to conduct additional research. If no determination is made in that time, the dealer is often legally allowed to transfer the firearm, though they aren't required to. Identity & Citizenship Status According to FBI data,
: Any conviction for a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.