Benefits Of An 01 FFL

[gravis86]

So, I was just at the ATF site reading about the C&R (03 FFL) and saw the price for an 01 FFL. Is it worth it to pay the $200 for an 01? Would one be able to use said FFL to save money on guns straight from the manufacturer?

Can anyone get this? Or do you have to own a business?

Any response is appreciated.

 

[mikec]

Back in the 70s and 80s one could get a 01 just to try to save $$ but not anymore.

 

[TargetTerror]

You need a valid storefront and to sell a lot of guns, otherwise you cannot get an 01 and if you did, it wouldn't be renewed.

 

[Trebor]

The 01 FFL is for those who are in the business of dealing in firearms. It is not to be used to enhance your personal collection.

While the ATF has cut down considerabley on the number of "kitchen table" dealers over the past 10 years, you are not required to have a storefront to get a 01 FFL. This is a common misconception, but I know of too many people who have a 01 FFL and operate out of their home to believe it is true. It is easier to meet the ATF requirements if you have a storefront though.

The ATF does check to make sure that you are in compliance with all local zoning and business laws though. If you plan to operate out of your home, this may stop you from doing so, depending on your zoning and any local regs. You'll need to show zoning compliance, have the necessary business licenses, etc. If the zoning issue doesn't stop you there, the rest is not insurmountable.

The ATF also does do compliance inspections. When they look at your bound book you had better be able to show them a pattern of firearms sales to people outside of yourself and your immediate family. If they believe you are not actually "engaged in the business" of dealing in firearms, they will not renew your license.

So in, short, if you want to run a business dealing in firearms, a 01 FFL is appropriate. If you just want to save a little money on your own purchases, it is not appopriate.

 

[gravis86]

So is there another option that can save someone money if they plan to collect modern firearms? I'm trying to work the system, so that I can afford more Sigs.

 

[Trebor]

So is there another option that can save someone money if they plan to collect modern firearms? I'm trying to work the system, so that I can afford more Sigs.

No, not really. The "kitchen table" dealers who mainly only purchased for themselves, family, and a few friends were really all driven out of business by the Clinton administration. I believe there are 1/3 as many 01 FFL's now then their were 15 years ago.

Like I said, you can still get a 01 FFL without a storefront, but you had better plan to "be in the business" of dealing in firearms. Transfers to yourself and your family aren't going to do it. (That assumes the zoning regs don't prohibit it in the first place).

The other option is to develop a good relationship with a local FFL who will give you a good deal on transfers.

 

[Bazooka Joe71]

You need a valid storefront and to sell a lot of guns, otherwise you cannot get an 01 and if you did, it wouldn't be renewed.

Not true...My FFL does not sell firearms...Actually he is a retired sheriff and he and his wife run a "sewing center." She and her co-workers make "berninas"(I have no idea what that is) and he fixes the machines, and does transfers for $10 a piece...Since there are a limited amount of gunshop/FFL's in this fairly high populated area, and his price is $15 less than anyone else(not to mention he is a great guy, which is more than I can say about the guys that run the gunshops around here), he makes a pretty good amount of money for the time he puts into it...I always see a shelf stacked with guns everytime I am in there.

 

[Trebor]

This current thread in "Legal" is worth a look:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=329914


You should also do a search here. This comes up *a lot* and there is some good info and advice in some of the threads.

You know, someone should "sticky" one of these threads. This really does come up a lot.

 

[BullsEye10x]

Many distributors will allow individuals to purchase firearms direct, but they are required to ship the merchandise to a local FFL to complete the transfer. Most dealers will charge around $10-20 per gun to do the paperwork (form 4473, NICS check, etc...). So, if you can find a dealer willing to accept shipments on your behalf, you can save quite a bit depending on what you are buying.

 

[Neo-Luddite]

Get the type 03; true you will not be ordering new Sigs with it--but it *IS* very useful for many other purposes and well worth the 30 bucks. Also, lots of interesting weapons are on the C/R list. The collateral bennefits are many.