122 days as of yesterday. Given it's the Labor Day weekend, it will be at 125 days as of next Monday...
At 93 days, I decided to email the ATF about my application.
To my surprise, I got a reply less than 12 hours later...
"Your background is in a delayed status with the FBI"
No further info. I don't know if there is an issue with me, or they are just behind on processing applications.
Anyone who knows my background will know it's not me. I have been vetted by the FBI on multiple occasions without issues. I've had other Federal, state and municipal agencies also run background checks on me without a problem. If there was something of significance, I wouldn't have a job!
Someone asked if having an active security clearance be an issue.
I haven't experienced that in the past, and I don't see how an agency which has done background checks on me in the past would suddenly have a problem with my Form 1 application.
I was also born overseas, but that too has never been an issue either.
The ATF essentially has washed their hands over the delay, as they don't actually do the background checks. They did add the fact I have very common first and last names may be the cause, but again this is not the first time the FBI has run a background check on me! Plus, the FBI has my fingerprints and all my PII. They know who I am.
Two weeks later, I emailed the ATF again, and this was their canned reply...
"Finalizing your application is very important to NFA. Please know that completing NFA status checks for applicants will significantly delay processing efforts. NFA appreciates your understanding so that our staff can focus on processing applications and not researching status checks. ATF receives hundreds of Ask the Expert Inquiries each day, your continued patience is greatly appreciated."
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