The length of time an FFL holds a firearm purchase depends on each particular state. Waiting periods differ for cooling-off and more thorough background checks.

Good evening to you!! Usually depends on where you live. If your state has a holding period it can be released at the end of the holding period and the transfer fee is paid. Hope this helps. Have a good rest of your day.
🇺🇸🇺🇸 'Merica' 🇺🇸🇺🇸

William Bud,
State and local laws primarily determine how long an FFL holds a firearm purchase, often for cooling-off or thorough background checks.
- California: 10 days for all firearms
- Hawaii: 14 days for all firearms
- Washington, D.C.: 10 days for all gun purchases
- Florida: 3 days or until background check completes (whichever is longer; exceptions for permit holders)
- Illinois: 72 hours
- Maryland, New Jersey: 7 days for handguns
Some states allow immediate transfer once the NICS check is "Proceed," but delays can still occur due to extended background checks, administrative errors, or high transfer volumes. States like California can extend background checks up to 30 days.
Other factors influencing delays include administrative errors on Form 4473 and high demand periods.

All depends on he State you live in and are you talking about a Rifle or a Sidearm? If Rifle, just do the necessary paperwork for your transfer and 4473 Background check form and you will most likely walk out same day, unless you get Delayed. Then, it can take anywhere from 1 day to 30 days before FFL would be required to release it. If it's a Pistol, again, depends on your states requirements. Here in Commie NY, we fill out the transfer forms & ammendment paperwork which adds it to our permit. Then We drop off the paperwork at the Sheriff's office and wait for them to do whatever they do to add it to our permit & have the Judge sign off on it. What used to take 1 to 2 weeks, now takes up to 2 months+?!?

Hi William and welcome. In most locations without mandatory holding times, same day reception and contact is the norm. Since local FFL Dealers have to log firearms into their inventory logbooks, it may take a couple of days depending on how busy they are. I would contact your local FFL and inquire on their standard length of time since even local FFL dealers can vary greatly. Cheers and stay safe!

The length of time an Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) holds a firearm purchase largely depends on state and local laws, which set different waiting periods primarily for cooling-off and thorough background checks.
- California: 10 days for all firearms
- Hawaii: 14 days for all firearms
- Washington, D.C.: 10 days for all gun purchases
- Florida: Minimum 3 days or until background check completes (whichever is longer), with some exceptions
- Illinois: 72 hours for all firearms
- Maryland & New Jersey: 7 days for handguns
- Some states allow immediate transfer once the NICS background check results are proceed but delays can still occur due to extended background checks (e.g., California may extend up to 30 days), administrative errors, or high demand.
Additional factors influencing delays include administrative errors on paperwork and the volume of background checks during busy periods and last but not least...GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWNS 👍🏻

Hi William, as soon as your background check is complete, which in most states only takes a few minutes, the gun should be released.
My FFL calls me the same day the gun arrives, and I go in that same day and fill out the paperwork. Being in NJ, the background check can take anywhere from 1-5 days, then he releases the gun to me.
If he hasn't called you to come in and fill out the paperwork, I would call and ask when you can come in. Or if it an actual gun shop, just show up there.
Good luck, stay safe, & have a great day!

I usually pick mine up the day it comes in. But I live in a free state.