Gun buyers won't have to worry about an extra fee for the National Instant Background Check. They may have to worry about waiting a while to find out whether their gun purchase is acceptable or not, though.

Glenn Meeks, Albertson's Sport Shop manager, said the fee that was initially planned for the FBI check into a gun buyer's background was dropped, at least for the first year.

"Congress said the law was unfair," Meeks said.

Earl Howard, of Little Hawk's Guns, Knives and Collectibles, said, "Right now, there is no user fee for the background check. Congress appropriated the fee."

Howard said Congress appropriated about $260 million for the background check.

"Instead of charging (the gun buyer) for the background fee, they spread the cost out among the American people. It's supposed to protect the people. The American people benefit from the criminals not getting the guns," Howard said.

Even with the fee being dropped, customers may wait up to a half hour or more at the gun shop for the OK from the FBI. Meeks said that the automated system appeared to be backlogged Monday, the first day of the NIBC.

"We were able to get in a few times," Meeks said. "It's just crazy trying to use it. It went from an instant check to an instant wait.

"Several (gun buyers) had to wait. Four people had to wait a half hour," he said.

Howard said, "We sold three guns yesterday. Everyone had a permit. In the next couple of weeks, we're going to have some problems. After talking with some gun shop owners this morning, we figured it averages about six minutes for the check."

Meeks said in Indiana the FBI was conducting the background check only on long gun purchases. Indiana has its own separate checks for handgun purchases, which will cost $3.

"If a buyer has an Indiana handgun carrying permit, it waives their need to be checked," Meeks said.

"The FBI is using that and accepting that."

Many gun control advocates argue that the new NIBC doesn't allow a cooling off period. Sarah Brady, Handgun Control Inc., said Monday the new law allows people who are mad or suicidal to instantly buy a gun and act without cooling off first.

"It is getting guns on the street quicker," Meeks said, "but I don't see a problem with it.

"The old way, we filled out a paper, took their fingerprint, and sent it to Indianapolis. We averaged only one denial a year.

"It accomplishes the same thing now. The system in Indiana is working pretty well."

Howard said, "One thing that has changed that makes it better is if you pass the check, you get to take it home that day."

Meeks said the demands for handgun carrying permits may see an increase.

"The demand may increase," he said, "so (gun buyers) don't have to be phoned in."

Howard agreed: "(We) encourage people to apply for their hunting and target or personal protection permit. When you apply for a permit, the state police will clear you and the FBI will accept that."

Even though the process allows people to gain access to guns more readily, Howard said, the National Rifle Association is still going to appeal the background check. He said the NRA may file a lawsuit against it.

"We encourage people to join the NRA. They are going to appeal the background check," he said.

Howard said the NRA pressured Congress to get rid of the initial $14 to $16 charge.

"It's going to be easier for a person to get a gun now," he said.

Little Hawk's, on 936 N. Detroit St., Warsaw, is owned by Earl, Don, Carol and Ann Howard.

Albertson's Gun Shop is on U.S. 30E. [[In-content Ad]]