It is clear DOJ has not vigorously utilized existing federal law to prosecute those denied by NICS.

This focus on new restrictions rather than the more robust application of existing law reveals the anti-gun politician’s true motive isn’t to diminish unlawful firearm possession or reduce crime, but to further burden and discourage lawful gun ownership.

Despite what gun control supporters contend, for many people the National Instant Criminal Background Check System isn’t “instant” at all. In 2015, nearly 10 percent of federal NICS transactions were delayed for further review. A delay can occur if a NICS check uncovers a criminal justice record, but system that lacks information on the final disposition of the case. Alternatively, as FBI has noted in their NICS fact sheet, a prospective firearms transferee might be delayed for simply sharing a “similar name and/or similar descriptive features” with an individual with a potentially prohibiting record.

The lackluster enforcement of current background check laws illustrated in the IG report should cause honest politicians and the public to question the efficacy of foisting further firearm transfer restrictions on America’s gun owners. Those concerned with crime perpetrated with firearms should recognize that the federal government already has the necessary tools to combat the criminal misuse of firearms, and that it is largely up to the executive branch to make effective use of them.

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