FFL Question

[CWhitt]

I've searched the forums here a bit for FFL related stuff, however, I'm still a bit confused.

Everyone keeps mentioning storefronts, zoning, taxes, etc. etc....
However, how hard is it to obtain an 01 FFL if I wanted it strictly for the transfer of internet or out-of-state gun purchases for others? As in, charging a fee to people to transfer their firearm (for a profit, but with no intent of actually selling a product or maintaining an inventory/store)?

Is it possible, or worth it, to get an FFL for this purpose? Or has the BATFE made that nearly impossible now?

Thanks for any info.

 

[sansone]

I'm waiting for my 01 FFL and been asking around for weeks. :banghead: ..I believe you must have the intent to assign and sell firearms. they don't stipulate how many you must keep in stock, but just selling at gun shows is reason to be refused. they WILL come to inspect your place of business before issueing a license.

 

[Jim K]

You can always try. But BATFE has been trying to reduce the number of dealer licensees who do just what you want to do. They consider the 01 FFL a business license, and generally insist on 1) the business be in an area that is unzoned or is zoned for business and 2) that all state and local business requirements be met. So, in general, the "kitchen table" dealer has been put out of business.

Just FYI, some years back, when things were easier, I got a dealers FFL and did what you are thinking of doing, except that being close to some big importers/distributors, I usually picked up the guns. It was the worst time I ever had. Friends became former friends because I didn't remove rifle stocks to make sure there was no rust on "their" gun. Others wanted me to buy 20 or 30 rifles so they could take their pick. Still others complained because I wasn't open at their convenience (I had to work my regular job, of course). One "gentleman" has not spoken to me to this day because the war surplus pistol I picked for him had a small nick in the slide; he refused to believe the others were worse. After having had the FFL for a year, I found that I had made all of $500, and put up with more BS than I could stand. I mailed the book to the feds and never renewed the license.

Jim

 

[sansone]

my dad had the same experience and closed the store. I'm retired and want to try giving this "hobby" a chance to make small change income. hope it works out

 

[Jim K]

I forgot to mention that my "friends" all checked the retail prices in SGN and demanded a big discount, even though I was making only about 20% since I could not buy in big quantities. Like I say, a great way to change friends to former friends. Lots of luck.

Jim