become an FFL?

[Greell]

Honestly, I buy guns, I have no real knowledge of being an FFL aside from what I have read.

However, as I understand it anyone can get an FFL, but you can only conduct business (like selling and buying guns) as long as the place of business is not your residence. is this correct?

I understand all the requirements to qualify and apply for an FFL, but I had also heard it's not such a bad idea to get a "collectors FFL" to just buy guns or deal with transfers.

is this information true / accurate?

someone educate me please? i'm interested in understanding about the FFL rules, suggestions are appreciated!

 

[Jim K]

Very briefly, you can get a Collectors' License (Type 3 FFL) which will allow you, state and local laws permitting, to receive Curio and Relic firearms in interstate commerce. This is a good way to build a collection at reasonable cost, but you CANNOT deal in guns. You can sell guns to other licensees, but any transactions with non-licensees, or buying/selling of non-C&R firearms, are subject to the laws the same as if you had no license.

There are reports that BATFE has taken a look at large volume C&R sales in order to be sure the licensee is not selling the guns illegally.

BATFE considers a dealer/gunsmith FFL (Type 1 FFL) as a business license. They will not issue the license unless you comply with all state and local laws regarding business licenses, zoning laws, etc. There is no blanket prohibition on doing business out of your home (though I personally don't recommend it), but in most areas zoning laws will prohibit it.

This is only a summary; for full information, go to www.atf.gov.

FWIW, there is a lot more to being a Type 1 FFL dealer than just getting the license. You need to learn how to run a business, keep books, pay taxes, obey all the other business laws and regulations, obtain insurance, etc., etc. Until you fully understand those aspects of the business, go slow.

Jim

 

[Mojo-jo-jo]

There are basically three types of FFL's:

1. Manufacturer
2. Dealer
3. Collector

Manufacturer and dealer both require a serious, bona-fide business venture. Neither are particularly suitable to the collector/gun owner.

Manufacturers must be in the bona-fide business of manufacturing firearms for the purpose of sale. Specific volumes must be met, and taxes must be paid.

Dealers must be in the bona-fide business of selling firearms. Once again, volumes must be met, and meticulous records kept. The business premises must have actual staffed business hours and is open to compliance inspection.

In both of the above cases, the licensed premises can be your residence, but your local zoning laws must permit the operation of a commercial business with posted business hours from your residence. This is unusual and prohibited in most jurisdictions.

Anyone over 21 years of age may receive a collector's license. This permits the licensee to obtain, through interstate commerce, specified categories of firearms for the purpose of maintaining a private collection. Business operations are prohibited under the terms of this license. The categories are limited, and are mostly geared around antiques, collectible militaria, and other historically significant firearms. For more information look here: http://www.cruffler.com/whatis.html