Is it worth becoming an FFL

[kmittleman]

Hi All,


After buying some guns online, I'm considering become an FFL so I can avoid the fees associated with firearm transfers. Does anyone know if I can become an FFL just for my own buying - is that allowed? Is it worth the hassle?


Thanks in advance!

-Kevin

[Graybeard]

Not allowed and not worth the hassle.

You "might" be able to get an FFL and use your home as place of business tho these days getting an FFL that way is not so easy to do. You must have posted hours and be open during them. If you use your home it is subject to BATFE folks coming at any time of day or night to do a complete inspection. Do you REALLY want that?

Since the Klinton days thru the obama days the feds have taken prolly 75% or so of the FFLs away from the folks who held them.

[coyotejoe]

I had an FFL for 12 years and never once saw the ATF. If you are licensed as a gunsmith you can work from your home and do not have to post established business hours. I think it also helped that I lived in a small town in the boonies, they probably didn't want to make a four hour drive to pay a surprise visit when I might not even be at home. I never had any problems except for their incompetence, every time they changed forms or procedures they failed to provide me with the updates and when I renewed my license it took a couple of tries before they sent me the proper forms. I took out the license for my own use so I could get my own guns, ammo and sporting goods wholesale and also ordered things for a few friends. I never stocked an inventory nor advertiesd so in 12 years I handled less than 500 guns total. I gave it up when I retired on social security. I have everything I want and can't afford to buy anything even at wholesale so I just didn't bother to renew my FFL..

[jhm]

     In todays climate I wouldnt have another one myself, as far as cost goes you would have to b e paying aklot of FFL fees to cover the cost of a license these days.  Jim

[coyotejoe]

Having an FFL saves not only transfer fees but you are able to get guns, ammo, components, scopes, binocs and all sorts of sporting goods at wholesale shipped direct to your door. If I recall the initial application fee was $300 but renewal was only $100 for three years. You don't have to buy a lot of stuff to pay for that. Also, if you do sell just a few things you will make money. Even just doing background checks at $20 each will soon pay for your FFL. Even though I can't afford to buy all the stuff I used to and even though there isn't much I want right now I still think I would have been ahead in money to have renewed my FFL for another 3 years. But of course it depends on your circumstance.