In the NICS of Time?

Never been delayed before and I just got delayed until April 15th is this because of covid 19 or something else [More]

I speculated on that possibility:

We see that the Trump administration in general and the Department of Justice in particular “reportedly has been preparing a plan that would let hundreds of thousands of federal employees work remotely.” It’s legitimate to ask if that will affect the folks responsible for NICS approvals and if the three business day approval rule would still apply if it does.

But this is the first I've seen of anyone claiming it's happening.

At this point, I have no idea if there is really anything to this that affects all NICS transfers nationwide, if it's localized, or if it's even happening.  I suppose we could ask:

[More]

I'll update this if I hear anything back.  If you hear anything, please educate us in "comments."

UPDATE from Harrison Shooter Supply:

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY ATF/FBI NICS background check if you get delayed on a purchase it is now a 3 WEEK DELAY!!!!!! This is not us it is a new mandate from NICS edited to add "or the state of Kansas" not sure who.

[Via evverest]

UPDATE from Gateway Pundit:

“'As the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Section works through the impact of the COVID-19 operationally, we are working to maintain our services. We are aware that states may be considering options to protect the health and safety of their employees, which may include a reduction in office availability or even closure to some offices,' the FBI office said in a statement."

[Via Andy M]

TANGENTIALLY RELATED UPDATE from Buckeye Firearms Association:

Coronavirus: Some Ohio Sheriffs suspending Concealed Handgun License applications and renewals

Will they suspend arresting us for noncompliance?

And in Illinois...

Not only is the ISP overwhelmed, so is the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

[Via Jeffersonian]

UPDATE from Appalachian Armory:

We have been notified by ATF/FBI that any background check that comes back delayed is no longer a 3 day wait but instead will be a possible 28 day wait. If you have a handgun license or are immediately approved then this will not apply. Here is what they sent out:

NICS Experiences Unprecedented Volume IncreaseFFLs Must Consider Closures, Reduced Staff Effects on Three Business Day DelaysAs our nation continues to navigate its response to the COVID-19, we recognize the firearm industry, like many other industries, is being impacted. NSSF® is aware of delays within the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) System. We want you to know the FBI is on the job and working diligently to address the dramatic response and increase in background checks experienced over the past few days. Just yesterday, Monday, March 16, 2020, the NICS staff experienced over a 300% increase compared to this same time period in 2019. As we’ve seen in the past with other national events, our citizens often seek to exercise their Second Amendment rights during times of uncertainty. Therefore transparent communication remains a top priority.
According to NICS, there are delays in the system due to an astronomical volume of transactions over the last several days. While much of the NICS System is automated and yields an immediate “proceed” or “deny” determination, transactions that result in a delayed status require the work of NICS examiners to investigate whether the transaction should be approved or not. With daily volumes roughly double that of last year, the NICS team is unable to begin investigations on all delays within three business days, creating a backlog in the delayed checks.
Some states offices and agencies are considering options to protect the health and safety of their employees, which may include a reduction in staff or a temporary closure. If you operate in one of these areas and if you receive a delayed response from the NICS, please note the Brady transfer date provided to you by the FBI could be extended beyond the normal three business days. The three business day timeframe does not begin until relevant state offices are open for business. Additionally, because of the dramatic increase in volume, it is important to recognize FBI staff may not be able to begin their research on delayed transactions as they normally would. Therefore, you may want to consider waiting on a definitive response from the NICS before opting to proceed with a sale on any delayed transaction. We are operating during exceptional and uncertain times, so you may wish to consider implementing temporary changes in order to safeguard yourself and your business. However, please note that when state offices are closed it does not constitute a “business day” for purposes of calculating the “three business days” period before an FFL may transfer a firearm to a non-licensee as mandated by the Brady Act.
The NICS Section is working overtime to get through the backlog and we appreciate their hard work and open communication. NSSF will continue to communicate with NICS and our members to ensure operations move forward as smoothly as possible during this period.

[Via Ed Stone]