Gun stores have a difficult job. While it sounds like a heck of an awesome way to make a living, surrounded by firearms, but that’s before you take into account the reams of paperwork required by the federal government just to be legal. One screw up can have some nasty ramifications on your livelihood and possibly your freedom.
To make matters worse, however, is that the same federal government can screw your business over just by not doing anything.
This past weekend was supposed to be one of the most profitable for Scott Roe, the owner of Spillway Sportsman off Highway 1.
“Firearms sales are a huge push this time of year,” Roe said.
However, many of his Christmas shoppers left empty-handed because Roe could not perform the federally required background checks. He said the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) was inaccessible.
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The two dealers estimate the system crash cost them $70,000 combined. They said it’s been a recurring problem the weekend before Christmas for a few years now.
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“When the government can effectively shut you down, it’s scary,” [Jim] McClain said.
The FBI acknowledged an issue occurred on its NICS website. WBRZ contacted a number of gun stores across the state. Dealers said the system crashes every year before Christmas, probably because of a large number of background checks being conducted.
Further, it appears you couldn’t call in for a background check either.
Here’s the kicker, though. You know who will get in trouble for this? No one. Not a soul.
