[on2wheels52]

Mike
I presume the counter kid was making the call to NICS, the nominally 'instant' criminal background check a section of the FBI runs. The first person you talk to is something of a flunky, an FFL dealer can do that part online. From my experience about 80% get a 'go' at that stage, two minutes or so of phone time.
If some anamoly comes up, a supervisor takes over who can usually wade through the information and make the decision (as in your case).
In a small percentage of calls they require more information to make the decision, they have three working days to collect what they're looking for. If nothing negating the sale shows up in the three days you can pick up the firearm (or be denied if they find cause to do so).
A person buying two or more handguns from the same dealer in seven days requires the dealer to complete a funky three carbon postcard affair describing what was purchased and by whom. One copy to the feds, one to the local state police, and the dealer has to retain the third. An extra PITA for me (us). Since that situation comes up infrequently, I usually tell the buyer to wait ten days to pick up the second handgun.
re "virtuous lovable local shops", I haven't thought of my place in quite those terms, but should you find yourself in town feel free to stop in and make your own judgement. And please bring your wife, but I may make you stand in the corner while she makes her selection.
Jim