Getting an FFL

[exbiologist]

I'm "interviewing" with an ATF agent tomorrow, Jan 13 at 1:00 pm. I've been wringing my hands about what to expect. I'm going for a manufacturing license because they consider restocking and refinishing guns to sell for profit "manufacturing". The agent only told me he wanted to make sure I'm not selling off of a picnic bench in front of a day care center, and he's looking for some assurances of security. I have gun cabinet hidden behind a wall with an access panel, I'm not even sure if he wants to see it. I really have no idea what to expect.
If any of you have been through this before, please help! What are they going to ask me, look for, etc? Anything else I should know before my dreams are stamped out?

 

[subknave]

I seriously doubt you have anything to worry about. At the worst he may make a few suggestions for things you need to do before getting the license. Since when has gunsmithing been manufacturing? I must have missed that one. I always thought manufacturing was making the frame/receiver. I guess you must be doing it large scale putting together guns from parts?

 

[Bubba613]

He will go over the relevant laws with you. He will have you initial each part and sign the end.
The purpose of this form is to put you in jail. You are aknowledging that the agent explained everything to you. If you screw up you cannot plead ignorance because they have your initials and signature on a form that says you understood it all.
So ask questions if you don't understand anything.
Really I have found most agents to be helpful and willing to explain things so you can keep on the up and up.

 

[exbiologist]

Yeah I didn't think it should be manufacturing either, but that saves me money in license fees. I just wanted it be able to buy receivers. The ATF considers it gunsmithing if you do that work at the request of a customer, but manufacturing if you do alter the guns appearance or caliber, other than sights, on your own to sell with intent to profit, which I intend. I may be wrong, but that's my understanding from a few conversations with local agents prior to submitting my application. I'm not planning a ridiculously large scale venture, just a small profitable business from my home, internet and gun shows.