Chris has always done the background check via phone that I've seen. No big deal in my opinion as the same thing gets accomplished. Iirc the online resource has been running for sometime now. For those environmentally conscious.. This does take an additional sheet of paper, the print out, then the phone does. Wasn't the internet and computers supposed to help reduce paper use???
All the info is on the BATFE site about it to read.
At least both ways are about the same speed. I know FFLs who still require that they US Post their paperwork to the seller and refuse to email as most everyone does today. Smyrna.... Tis the reason I moved over to Chris.