Expert: Dan Haynes - 10/14/2010

Question
I am a resident of NH and have been for 15 years. I am a pillar of the community and father of four who has been married for 15 years. I have purchased several long guns and handguns over the last few years and I also have been issued a permit to carry concealed in my local community. My last purchase was a rifle less than two weeks ago and it sailed through no issues. Yesterday I went to my local gunshop to pick-up a new handgun and when running the NCIS I was told that I had been put on delay. In speaking with the State of NH I was told that Massachusetts had flagged me and that they were requesting the records. (I lived there until I was 25) The State also said that there were no Federal flags on me. I have no felony convictions and I am not under indictment anywhere - I was arrested three times during my teens (25 - 30 years ago) for minor in possesion of alchohol - Each time I paid a fine and was released after a court appearance. The records were ordered sealed. I had a 3 month restraining order taken out on me in 1983 by a my parents and it passed with no repercussions. I have never been charged with or convicted of any domestic violence charge or related charge. I cannot understand this action and knowing Mass is an anti-gun state I can only determine that this is some new effort to attempt to limit gun ownership by FORMER RESIDENTS. Please advise on how to handle if the purchase comes back denied - Please note that as I mentioned above I have purchased many guns in the last few years with no delay or denials.

Answer
Mr. Carlson,

I thank you for asking about this matter. If you come back denied after being put on delay then I recommend contacting a local attorney for the possibility of an appeal. Your restringing order may be a factor and the attorney may have to file to expunge your record or pardon it.

However if you have purchased many guns in the last few years there should not be any problems.

Best regards,

Dan