Not to screw my tinfoil hat on too tightly, but that only works so long as the ATF never sees the 4473s, which DO bear the serial number(s). If the ATF audits the FFL - oh, I don't know, because it's "in a border state" like Texas, then they have access to those serial numbers and to the FFL's bound-book. Great place to get info for your illegal database.Scott B. wrote:The only firearms information submitted on a NICS check is the weapon type (pistol, rifle, shotgun) , not serial number.
FWIW: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/nics/g ... fact-sheet" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
"The NICS is not to be used to establish a federal firearm registry; information about an inquiry resulting in an allowed transfer is destroyed in accordance with NICS regulations. Current destruction of NICS records became effective when a final rule was published by the Department of Justice in The Federal Register, outlining the following changes. Per Title 28, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 25.9(b)(1), (2), and (3), the NICS Section must destroy all identifying information on allowed transactions prior to the start of the next NICS operational day. If a potential purchaser is delayed or denied a firearm and successfully appeals the decision, the NICS Section cannot retain a record of the overturned appeal."
You are correct, it IS illegal for them to harvest serial numbers for a database. But something being illegal isn't generally a good way to stop them doing it anyway.