I want to be clear that this is not a complaint, just a curious observation.

When I buy a suppressor from a local Class 3 FFL I fill out the paperwork at the time of purchase and they do their side of the paperwork and it all gets submitted through efile and they send the CLEO paperwork at that same time I assume.
Then we wait and eventually when we both receive the email notification from ATF I’ve been approved I go pick up my suppressor that same day if I have time. Since CLEO has already been sent there is no delay for my getting the suppressor.

When buying from CA it seems you wait until the approval to send the CLEO notification, adding 1-2 weeks to the process.

Is that something related to the fact you are shipping from out of state or is there another reason. As I see it, since you are using an in state agent to do the paperwork should there be any difference?

Again, not a complaint, another week or 2 isn’t a big deal to me in fact I’m getting ready for another purchase from CA hopefully this week or next week.

Thanks

When buying from Capitol and having the item shipped to your door, there are two different CLEO notifications. The first is a copy of the Form 4, just as you would do if you were submitting a Form 1 on your own behalf. The second, which is done after approval, are the required documents to complete a 'non over the counter' sale. Details are at the first link below. The second link is the CA FAQ.

https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/docs/ruling/atf-proc-2020-1-%E2%80%93-recordkeeping-procedure-non-over-counter-firearm/download

9. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 922(c)(2), 27 CFR 478.96(b), and 27 CFR 478.124(f), the licensee must, prior to shipment or delivery of the firearm, forward by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) a copy of the Form 4473, sworn statement, and valid alternate permit or other required information to the chief law enforcement officer (CLEO) named on such statement;

10. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 922(c)(3), 27 CFR 478.96(b), and 27 CFR 478.124(f), the licensee must delay shipment or delivery of the firearm for at least seven days following receipt by the licensee of either the return receipt evidencing delivery of the copy of the Form 4473 to the CLEO, or the return of the copy of the Form 4473 to the licensee due to refusal of the CLEO to accept the same in accordance with U.S. Postal Service regulations;

https://www.capitolarmory.com/frequently-asked-questions

If you would like it shipped directly to your residence, there are a few extra steps involved. We will have you complete a digital ATF Form 4473. Once you complete the form, sign it digitally, and submit it, we will notify the CLEO in your state that we are conducting a non-over-the-counter sale to you. We provide your contact information but do not include the details of your order. We are required to wait seven days from the date they receive the notice before we can ship your item. Due to the CLEO notification and seven-day waiting period, the shipping process may take 2-3 weeks from the date you complete the ATF Form 4473. Once the waiting period has expired, we will ship your item to the address on your ID/DL/LTC, and you will receive a tracking number for the shipment. We ship all items via UPS ground with adult signature required.

I figured it had to be something like this, I thought I read everything on the CA website prior to placing my first order. I guess it’s been a few months, I’m going to read over the website again.
Thanks

what Grondike shared is correct and yes, it's a frustrating additional step for the end user (& CA) to deal with, but it's what the BATFE requires in order to do a non-over the counter transaction/transfer.

It does add more time to the overall wait, however, IMO, it's more convenient.  

Sure, it will likely add another 2ish weeks before you physically have your can in hand, but if it's that big of a deal, get it from your local SOT.....you still aren't guaranteed to know when it will be approved for pickup, your schedule, out of town, etc.  I'm also not the person that *must* shoot the can as soon as I touch it.  I've got cans that have never been used, but ymmv, of course.

hope that helps.

This is my first time using CA and it’s going to end up being almost 4 weeks since ATF approval and I have suppressor in hand.
Took 2 weeks just to get CLEO to acknowledge that they received notification and now another whole week before it ships and then whatever time it takes UPS to get it to my door. Probably the Thanksgiving holiday is adding a few days delay getting it shipped at CA in there though.

I’m just going with it, lots of people waiting way longer than I’ve waited!

In Ohio, I submit the eForm 1. I immediately take it to the local PD, I hand the copy to the Police Chief, he says thank you, turns around and drops it in the trash can and tells me to have a nice day.

Happens three times so far. He even had a few officers give me tips for getting my own prints with an InkPad so I don't have to go up there twice.

dont worry i had the same issue. they had to send like 3 letters till they got the certified reply saying it was delivered. kinda sucks but the mail to house makes up for it.

That's awesome.
I'm the officer who throws them away on behalf of my CLEO. lol

@-Obsessed-

Have you seen this free software a college kid wrote?
https://github.com/NoahGWood/OpenEFT

It lets you convert a scanned FD-258 card image to an .EFT file. I haven't done it yet, but it presents an extremely cost-effective solution and you could do it all yourself.

Haven't seen it yet personally but I've read about it here. Sounds interesting! In the past I requested ATF fingerprint cards and send those in via snail mail.

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out!