It also works sometimes. We have a state back ground system here in CO and have a much higher rate of catching problem people trying to illegally purchase guns than states who use the FBI. We do pay a fee on each 4473 run. It started out at 10$ and went steadily down to 6$ but we just had a big increase in the fee which is now at 15$. Our system is also much, much faster than using the FBI. I typically get an answer in less than 5 minutes. Added costs? Yes there are but as someone in business it is worth it to me for the increased speed and accuracy.

http://www.bertramandco.com/
Booking African hunts, firearms import services

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