Getting a FFL

[Silvertp]

Howdy....  I am contemplating applying for a FFL.  I recently started a "firearms refinishing" business soliciting customers locally.  I am starting to get inquiries on the internet and from out of state.  I understand that I need a FFL to receive firearm shipments that cross state lines, plus some business provide a discount for licensed firearms dealers.  My questions:

    1.  Are the FFL application "kits" advertised on the internet and in the back of sporting magazines worth the $20 or is all the information needed to apply readily available from the BATF?

    2.  If the kits are a good value are there any specific kits that folks would either recommend or steer me away from?

    3.  Is acquiring a FFL a slippery slope that I will regret because of government over-site , audits and attitude?

I want to thank folks in advance for any personal wisdom / advice that you are willing to share so that I can learn from your experience.  Thanks!

Silvertp

[jimster]

Not knowing much about getting an FFL anymore, I'd be talking to anyone that has one, and renews it....things have changed,  There is oversight, and they are a lot more expensive than they used to be when we all got them for 20 bucks back in the old days.

Maybe there is a small dealer in your area you could talk to, or anyone that has one really could fill you in on some details. 

Jim

[navylawdog]

You will need a FFL to receive weapons from out of state. I would recommend doing the work at a different location other than at your home though because then your home becomes inspectable and who wants the feds walking around in your home? You have to have certain security measures in place, let your local police know that you applied for an FFL, have set hours and hold to them, go through the local zoning officer to set it up for commercial, it is kind of a pain in the butt and I know there are other stipulations. I am going to be going through it all too when I get out because I want to start a shop in Maine. It would be for the most part on the internet though which makes it even more of a pain in the butt.

Navylawdog

[Jim See]

Chances are you could already be in violation of BATF rules.
Have you;
1. Held someones firearm overnight at your location/possession of someones firearm while they are not present.
2. Performed a service on that firearm.
3. Charged said person money, for your profit.

If you did all 3 of these you must have an FFL.
Doesn't mater if the gun is shipped in, or handed to you. If you posses it, work on it, and charge for profit, you are required to have an FFL as a Dealer/gunsmith.

As far as getting an FFL it is pretty simple. Call BATF, and ask for the application packet. They frown upon at home business unless you have a building separate from your residence for business purposes. Contact your city or township, if you are zoned, and get permission in writing before you apply.(you will have to sub-mitt this with your application) You will be required to have the head law enforcement official for your jurisdiction finger print you and sign off on your application. (finger print cards come with the app. and are returned with the app.)

If you want insurance to cover this business, well that's a whole nother can of worms.

I would suggest that you form an LLC to protect you family assets.

The application will ask if you have conducted this business already. If I was you I would say No. AND DELETE YOUR POST NOW.

Good luck
Jim

[Jim See]

I should add that the BATF officials I have worked with were nothing but friendly and helpful. They seemed happy that I had the knowledge and experience to do the type of work I do. The agent that did my visit was an avid shooter.

[Silvertp]

Everyone....
Thanks for the sage advice, looks like I have some work to get started in getting licensed for a business.  Fortunately Ive only been refinishing my personal firearms,, showing them to friends and taking them to the local sporting goods stores for displays.  I have generated a lot of interest however.

Wish me luck in the application process...just hoping to make enough money to keep my diesel truck filled up and to take a few hunting & fishing vacations.

Silvertip

[navylawdog]

Everyone....
Thanks for the sage advice, looks like I have some work to get started in getting licensed for a business.  Fortunately Ive only been refinishing my personal firearms,, showing them to friends and taking them to the local sporting goods stores for displays.  I have generated a lot of interest however.

Wish me luck in the application process...just hoping to make enough money to keep my diesel truck filled up and to take a few hunting & fishing vacations.

Silvertip

I do wish you luck and I ask that you please share your license getting experience for others to see so that they too will have a general idea of what to expect.

Navylawdog

[iiranger]

#1). As Brownell's put it in '68 (Gun Control Act of '68) "If you spit down the barrel and charge for it, you better have an FFL."
#2). Never forget the congressional testimoney reported in NRA magazines. ATF officials would deliberately answer a question WRONG and then in 60 days or so go "bust" the inquirer for violation of the law that they instructed him/her to committtttttt....  (IRS has had the same problem... but it makes the "buster" look so productive...)
#3). Clinton shut down 2/3's of FFL's (approx.) by deciding that to have a "business" you have to be within the local zoning code requirements (and the local folks were not cooperating...) Otherwise, they are just government employees doing a job... (and if they get drafted as "executioner" and you are the guest of honor, guess whose neck the rope goes around???) Hope you have a good lawyer (who doesn't hate guns or hang with those who do... HAPPY NEW YEAR. Luck.

[BIG Dog454]

Forget about getting the kit, it's a rip off.  Just get the forms and follow directions.  You want a place other then your house, ie. and unattached shop, could be the same address but not part of your house.  If your going to do custom gun work or repairs, your inspections should be minimal,  but you will be visited by the feds before startup.   You will need to get fingerprinted and background checked, you will need to notify the local sheriff  for approval, and unless you have a criminal record you should be approved. You will need to keep records in a record book showing dates type of firearm ser # who etc. and that's about it.
Mike

[handirifle]

Is an FFL required to make ammo for sale?

I'm sure insurance and maybe a bond is prudent, if not an absolute requirement.

[Graybeard]

Is an FFL required to make ammo for sale?

I'm sure insurance and maybe a bond is prudent, if not an absolute requirement.

Yes it is even if you just reload ammo for a friend if you charge him you are legally required to have an FFL as an ammo maker. Some serious insurance would be a MUST if you don't want to lose everything you have and setting up an LLC or Corporation would also be a real good idea.

[handirifle]

Is an FFL required to make ammo for sale?

I'm sure insurance and maybe a bond is prudent, if not an absolute requirement.

Yes it is even if you just reload ammo for a friend if you charge him you are legally required to have an FFL as an ammo maker. Some serious insurance would be a MUST if you don't want to lose everything you have and setting up an LLC or Corporation would also be a real good idea.

Thanks GB, Kinda what I suspected.  I sent off some letters to the DOJ and a few others with these same inquiries, to see if this is worth the hassle.

[Silvertp]

For starters I have contacted the county to have zoning modified to allow  business on my property. 

I ordered my FFL "Application Package", forms etc. online, from the Distribution Center website.   Took me a while to track this down starting at the BATF website,
but once located ordering the forms was easy.

Agree with Big Dog 454, at least so-far, the information / application package etc. is easy enough to get that the "canned FFL application packages" doesn't seem necessary.  I may change my tune before I get everything filled out and license in hand.

Silvertp

[handirifle]

Keep us updated on your progress.