Paul Christopher Hicks appeals his 63-month sentence following his guilty plea conviction of being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). Hicks argues that his counsel was constitutionally ineffective during sentencing. The Government argues that the claim should await collateral review or, alternatively, that it is without merit.

This court generally will not consider claims of ineffective assistance of counsel on direct appeal except in those “rare cases where the record allowed [this court] to evaluate fairly the merits of the claim.” United States v. Higdon, 832 F.2d 312, 313-14 (5th Cir. 1987). We conclude that this is not one of those cases. Without prejudice to Hicks’ right to file a motion pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2255, the judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED.