Getting started in the biz.

[hatchetbearer]

Short and sweet, Im thinking about opening my own gun store. Currently Im sitting on Okinawa playing Marine, but looking for when I get out I want to go into buisness myself. my home area is full of the gun owning type, but not too many stores to cater to them. I see this as a problem that I can remedy.

im somewhat familiar with the application process, as i already have a C&R, but i have a few questions I'd like to get answered.

1. I just rotated to Japan, and am stuck here for two years. can I apply for a license for home while I am here so I can use this job to fund the next?

2. I Rate a secret level security clearance. can this speed up the application process?

3. Realistically how often does a field agent come in to check records and inventory? not that i have a problem with it, but if i got approved out here and started stockpiling, it could be difficult.

4. How does hiring practices for additional employees come into effect? how far can they act on my behalf, on the paperwork aspect? i have always had a salesperson walk into the back to get paperwork approved when buying firearms.

5. Say i decide to close up shop, and I still have inventory left, can I just sign those out to myself? seems like if one wanted, they could pay the $200, get the license, buy what they want over 3 years, and sign the entire lot out to themselves when they choose not to renew.

6. Start to finish, how long does it take for a license to get approved? C&R took like 6 weeks, should i expect the same?

I could go on, but that will do for now.

 

[dogtown tom]

Start reading here: http://www.atf.gov/firearms/how-to/become-an-ffl.html

hatchetbearer Short and sweet, Im thinking about opening my own gun store. Currently Im sitting on Okinawa playing Marine, but looking for when I get out I want to go into buisness myself. my home area is full of the gun owning type, but not too many stores to cater to them. I see this as a problem that I can remedy.

im somewhat familiar with the application process, as i already have a C&R, but i have a few questions I'd like to get answered.

1. I just rotated to Japan, and am stuck here for two years. can I apply for a license for home while I am here so I can use this job to fund the next?
You can apply, but you won't get approved. ATF requires a "licensed premises" in order to do business. Since your store will be in the USA you won't have that until your return.

You also can't get an FFL unless you intend to engage in the business of dealing in firearms. Having a license several years ahead of time will not meet that requirement.
2. I Rate a secret level security clearance. can this speed up the application process?
No. The process is not painfuly slow unless there are a lot of applicants in your area at the same time.

3. Realistically how often does a field agent come in to check records and inventory? not that i have a problem with it, but if i got approved out here and started stockpiling, it could be difficult.
ATF is limited by law to one compliance inspection per year.Be sure those guns you are stockpiling may be imported back into the USA.

4. How does hiring practices for additional employees come into effect? how far can they act on my behalf, on the paperwork aspect? i have always had a salesperson walk into the back to get paperwork approved when buying firearms. See the FFL FAQ's. Basically don't here eleven year old felons
5. Say i decide to close up shop, and I still have inventory left, can I just sign those out to myself? seems like if one wanted, they could pay the $200, get the license, buy what they want over 3 years, and sign the entire lot out to themselves when they choose not to renew. Only if your business is set up as a sole proprietor. If you set up as a corporation or LLC you will have to complete a 4473. Stat law may have other requirements.

6. Start to finish, how long does it take for a license to get approved? C&R took like 6 weeks, should i expect the same?

Mine took two and a half months, but lately it's about six-eight weeks.

 

[bdickens]

The say the easiest way to make a million dollars as a gun dealer is to start out with two million.

 

[TexasRifleman]

can I apply for a license for home while I am here so I can use this job to fund the next?

I believe you have to have the premise before you can get the FFL.

It's tied to a physical location, not just your name.

 

[TheBandit]

SEOH represent. Good luck with opening a shop. Let me know if you need help with anything since I'm local.

 

[Monkeyleg]

I believe you have to have the premise before you can get the FFL.

True. The ATF wants you to be able to show that your municipality will allow you to operate at the address you provide.

I ran into this when I asked my city councilman here in WI about running a gun business from a home office, and was told the law said no. ATF said I'd have to go somewhere where they say "yes."

I decided on Alabama.

 

[hatchetbearer]

I have a location in the states from home, but am looking at various properties for a real store, and havent begun to stockpile anything, military stationed in japan cannot have guns. but any weapons bought would be from inside the US. either way, it doesnt look like its happening.

TheBandit, good to see a local, most likely it would be about 30 miles north up by burr oak, obviously i'll have to cater to the hunting/fishing crowd, but id order anything "tacticool" or paper punching one could desire.