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Background check requests for firearms at record high on Black Friday

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TULSA -- Background check requests for firearms were at an all time high this black Friday.

The FBI reports more than 200,000 of those checks came through the bureau. The requests this year beat the last shopping holiday record at nearly 186,000. 

All of this, sparking some interest after several mass shootings.

Local experts believe the influx in background check requests has more to do with supply and demand.

“Whenever you discount rebate things to that extent, naturally you’ll see a lot more purchases,” Eric Fuson, General Manager at 2A Shooting Center said.

With a surplus in supply and a decrease in demand, prices fell this year, which made guns cheaper. The FBI combing through 203,086 requests this shopping holiday. 

“You’re going to have to have a valid photo ID that has your actual physical address on it, then you’re going to have to fill out an ATF form 4473, which gives all your personal information so they can run a background check on you,” Fuson said.

In most cases, within 15 minutes, you could be approved by the FBI for purchase. However, just because a background check request was made doesn't mean a firearm was actually sold.

“Any felony conviction would prevent you from owning a firearm,” Fuson said. “ [Or] if you were dishonorably discharged or court-martialed in the military.”

You’ll also be denied the purchase of a gun if you have a misdemeanor for domestic violence.

Earlier this week, Attorney General Jeff Sessions ordered a review of the National Instant Criminal Background Check system.

“No matter how good the system is, somebody is going to slide through once in awhile,” Sgt. Randy Chapman, with the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office said..

Chapman is not responsible for the background checks for firearm purchase, but he does gather background information to send to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation if someone wishes to conceal carry a weapon.

Background checks, in the spotlight recently, after tragedy struck a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.

Devin Kelly, an Air Force veteran bought a rifle through the background check system. He then used it to kill 25 people.

“You’ve got humans doing the work and human error is always going to be a problem,” Sgt. Chapman said.

He adds instances like this are rare, and there are precautions in place to keep this from happening involving several agencies.

In Oklahoma, checks begin at federally licensed firearms dealers for purchase, then at your local sheriff’s office if you wish to conceal carry, and then through the OSBI.

In Kelly’s case, the Air Force admitted it did not give details to the FBI of the shooter’s court-martial, which experts believe would have prevented the sale of the rifle. 

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