Federal Form 4473

jimmyj

jimmyj

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Went shopping with my Wife at Wal-mart and became bored quickly, so I wandered over to the Sporting Goods Department. The lone clerk was busy and departed to the stock room to get a firearm for a customer. There was a very old (older than me) gentleman at a computer banging at the computer screen. Finally He observed me and asked if I could assist Him. The problem was He was attempting to fill out Form 4473 on the computer and believe it or not He was more computer challenged then me. I was able to talk Him though it with the clerk's ok as the clerks are not allowed to. Before I left I inquired what type of firearm he was purchasing ? He drew Himself up to His 5 foot, 6 inch, 100 pound frame and answered " Remington Bolt Action 30/06 rifle !
 
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Filling out a 4473 electronically at walmart or rural king is not a customer friendly experience.
They need to have a better way to do it.
Maybe a cubicle or somewhere to sit you down at, next to counter. Filling out personal info on a computer screen with others behind you is really sketchy and very uncomfortable while slouching over counter top - especially if you are over 6ft tall.

Between rural king and walmart I've bought 5 firearms over the last 3 years and average time has taken over 45 mins each time (and it's not them waiting on me - it's me waiting on them). Don't understand how I can go to my local LGS and it takes less than 15 mins (in & out), but at a retailer it takes 3 times as long?
 
RJJ 1971 said:
Filling out a 4473 electronically at walmart or rural king is not a customer friendly experience.
They need to have a better way to do it.
Maybe a cubicle or somewhere to sit you down at, next to counter. Filling out personal info on a computer screen with others behind you is really sketchy and very uncomfortable while slouching over counter top - especially if you are over 6ft tall.

Between rural king and walmart I've bought 5 firearms over the last 3 years and average time has taken over 45 mins each time (and it's not them waiting on me - it's me waiting on them). Don't understand how I can go to my local LGS and it takes less than 15 mins (in & out), but at a retailer it takes 3 times as long?
Click to expand...


It's called progress my friend progress.
 
I don't think I'd care to be putting all my information on a screen where it could be easily seen either. It's bad enough filling out the paper form and having someone next to you.
An older person these days are at a real disadvantage if they don't have some computer skills. I'm 62 and can get around okay but it'd be a nightmare if you couldn't with so much being forced on us today.
I got my first iPhone earlier this year and it's been quite the learning curve. It wasn't so much I felt I needed one but felt I'd be forced into one eventually and might as well start learning now. I just wish I knew a kid to help me with it.

I've never bought a gun at Wal-Mart but did buy a couple surplus rifles at a Dunhams sporting goods store here once. It took awhile to get a clerk and then he didn't seem real familiar with the process but did eventually manage. Then he had to get a manager to escort me outside with my boxed guns. Much easier at my LGS and where I normally purchase.
 
RJJ 1971 said:
Filling out a 4473 electronically at walmart or rural king is not a customer friendly experience...

...Between rural king and walmart I've bought 5 firearms over the last 3 years and average time has taken over 45 mins each time (and it's not them waiting on me - it's me waiting on them). Don't understand how I can go to my local LGS and it takes less than 15 mins (in & out), but at a retailer it takes 3 times as long?
Click to expand...

It isn't just them. The last two I've bought at my LGS have both taken about 45 minutes.

Just my luck I got the newest, most inexperienced person in the store both times. :eek:
 
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There's a couple stores I've had to use the computer for the 4473.
I love how they force you to fill it out on a computer, then PRINT IT OUT so you can sign the paper copy. :rolleyes:

Why can't I just fill out the paper copy? Am I missing something here, or what? :confused:
 
Hillbilly77 said:
There's a couple stores I've had to use the computer for the 4473.
I love how they force you to fill it out on a computer, then PRINT IT OUT so you can sign the paper copy. :rolleyes:

Why can't I just fill out the paper copy? Am I missing something here, or what? :confused:
Click to expand...

Because when you xx blocks online, your responses become a digital file.
 
RJJ 1971 said:
Filling out a 4473 electronically at walmart or rural king is not a customer friendly experience.
They need to have a better way to do it.
Maybe a cubicle or somewhere to sit you down at, next to counter. Filling out personal info on a computer screen with others behind you is really sketchy and very uncomfortable while slouching over counter top - especially if you are over 6ft tall.

Between rural king and walmart I've bought 5 firearms over the last 3 years and average time has taken over 45 mins each time (and it's not them waiting on me - it's me waiting on them). Don't understand how I can go to my local LGS and it takes less than 15 mins (in & out), but at a retailer it takes 3 times as long?
Click to expand...

Dare I say it? but wouldn't the old-fashioned way be the best? In other words, on paper. I detest being forced into using a computer for such things.
 
It's becoming tougher and tougher to be a mature person in this young persons world. I cringe every time I'm stuck in line behind some LOL or LOM trying to figure out how to use a credit or debit card. On more than one occasion, I've had to remind myself, that I'm not to far away from being slightly helpless myself when it comes to the world of Wi-Fi.

Jimmy ya did good.....
 
old bear said:
It's becoming tougher and tougher to be a mature person in this young persons world. I cringe every time I'm stuck in line behind some LOL or LOM trying to figure out how to use a credit or debit card. On more than one occasion, I've had to remind myself, that I'm not to far away from being slightly helpless myself when it comes to the world of Wi-Fi.

Jimmy ya did good.....
Click to expand...

I'm a self proclaimed, worlds worst computer dummy. :)
 
I did it back in March at Walmart. The process went smoothly but computer info bothers me some.
4473`s are or have always been paper. To be retained at the FFL for 20 years and only allowed by Federal law to be inspected unless a criminal investigation is occuring.
Having it in cyberspace, indefinitly,is my concern.
My reason for concern should be obvious.
Incidently, BRC was conducted in cyberspace also.
Jim
 
Hillbilly77 said:
There's a couple stores I've had to use the computer for the 4473.
I love how they force you to fill it out on a computer, then PRINT IT OUT so you can sign the paper copy. :rolleyes:

Why can't I just fill out the paper copy? Am I missing something here, or what? :confused:
Click to expand...

I suspect it is because, more and more, people's handwriting sucks.

I know mine does.

When the info is typed into the confuser, and the form printed out, everyone can read it.
 
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