Effects of a government shutdown

are evidently not all that visible, unless you visit a park. As an FFL holder, I have to do NICS background checks on prospective gun buyers.

Just got this from the FBI:

The NICS will be operating with a limited staff if a furlough takes place.  The staff will be handling all incoming calls and working NICS transactions in the event of a furlough.

So, Brady checks are apparently "essential governmental functions".