Excellent news!
The ATF released a letter Wednesday making a NICS check optional for a gun dealer if the purchaser has an Alabama concealed carry permit less than 5 years old.
Details:
1. A 4473 will still be required, but instead of the phone call to the NICS, the dealer may photocopy your carry permit or copy down info from it.
2. While this is effective immediately, dealers are working out how (if) to implement this and manage the paperwork in their business. Don't jump on some poor clerk if they're not ready today.
3. It's not mandatory for them to accept a carry permit in lieu of a NICS check - this is an option for the dealer.
4. Alabama does not issue concealed carry permits for longer than 5 years - so if you have current one, you're good.
This letter is authentic. You can find a copy of it here: http://www.nssf.org/share/PDF/ATF_AlabamaFFLs_022416.pdf (http://www.nssf.org/share/PDF/ATF_AlabamaFFLs_022416.pdf)
I love this approach as a cost/time/frustration avoidance measure.
All the more reason for the average shooter to go get their permit!
Yes, this will speed up the process, BUT.....
This is just a way for Sheriff's to get more discretionary funds. This is another roadblock to carrying in a vehicle without a CCP.