If you are on a watch list they don't tell you right?

[Skink]

So if you went gun shopping and were denied purchase you might figure it out right?

[snot]

1. Good question; I've wondered about that, too.

[Old Codger]

2. I think

It would depend on why you were on the list, not sure how deep the background checks ago anymore also not sure if they tell you why or not... maybe just denied with no explanation. Many years ago I was licensed dealer and they would tell the dealer what the reason was but that was as far as it went...never even heard of them going after anyone for lying on their app. I have been told that they do go after them now ...
In today's government agencies there is no telling how much is shared they defend their jurisdictions like mama bears defending a cub..

[One Black Sheep]

3. Well, unless you try to fly and then you find out your travel is restricted

that would be one way to find out.

And a lot of people buy guns by ways where they are not checked against databases or the government.

[petronius]

5. Remember though, the 'no-fly list' is only a subset of the 'watch list'

The former is much smaller, and from what I've read is mostly non-US citizens. The latter is a broader, bigger, more nebulous list without much transparency in terms of how people get added, who is on it, or methods of appeal or removal.

I'd be strongly opposed to any use of the broader list for any purpose beyond just keeping track of people to be investigated (i.e., as a list, and nothing more)...

[X_Digger]

4. Yes, that would be one way to know, if the proposed law were to pass. n/t

[tritsofme]

6. I have to assume tying gun purchases to those watch lists was purely a messaging effort.

Knowing it would never pass, and not really wanting to enact it.

It would be absolutely terrible public policy and an abuse of due process to tie gun purchases to those lists as they are now.

[freeplessinseattle]

7. Too bad domestic violence abusers are still free to

buy whatever, though sounds like his ex wife would have been too afraid to report him.