Right you are. FFL doesn't contact NICS in WA. That person submits to the state. State does the check. Way more goes on there than just a NICS. State checks medical records also. Normally that's illegal (HIPPA) until you sign a waiver to let the state do that. No waiver, no transfer.
I'm finished purchasing firearms as of last week. They won.
Sorry for the drift.
Actually, it's 2 checks. One is still the NICS check, but they also send for a check to your local law enforcement, city or county depending on where you live. That's for any last minute restraining orders or arrests, that sort of thing. That one can legally take up to 10 working days. Mine are usually passed in about 6 days.