I want to hold a FFL, help please

[Fatelvis]

I decided to apply, and hopefully become a FFL holding dealer. Is it worth it, and does it make things easier to purchase one of the on-line services that guide you through the process? Is there any other benefits to using these services? I know how much red tape the Govt brings with it, and figured one of these services would help simplify things. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks -Dave

 

[zorro45]

The main hurdle is you need a fixed business address that is compliant with your local zoning and business laws. That can potentially be inside your home if your area allows home business within that zone. The other theoretical problem is your entire home/gun collection becomes subject to the ATF's inspection at any time. I think it is not unreasonable to suspect that "kitchen table" FFLs could be subject to a high level of scrutiny regarding compliance w/ all the various state and federal laws and regulations. Personally after three years I decided not to become a test case. One advantage in some states is that it exempts you from the magazine restriction laws, and in some also the prohibition on suppressors (it assumes you are going to sell them to a class of purchaser that is exempt)

 

[dogtown tom]

Fatelvis ... Is it worth it...

If you intend to be in the business of dealing in firearms the FFL is REQUIRED. Whether it is worth it only you can decide. I'm a full time teacher and part time gun dealer........for me it most definitely is worth it, but I put in a minimum of four hours every day of the week.

....and does it make things easier to purchase one of the on-line services that guide you through the process?....

FFL123 and other "how to get your FFL" help guides dont tell you anything that ATF doesnt......and ATF resources are FREE.

zorro45 .....is your entire home/gun collection becomes subject to the ATF's inspection at any time.

Horsehockey.
ATF doesn;t have the right to search your home during a compliance inspection. Where do you get this stuff?
Keep your personal collection separate from your business guns and ATF will not and cannot inspect them.
Further, ATF cannot inspect "at any time". They are limited by Federal law to one compliance inspection PER YEAR.......and that inspection is limited to your 4473's, multiple sale forms, bound book and inventory........anything else will require a search warrant. (and a search warrant is NOT a compliance inspection, but part of a crimiinal investiigaton)

 

[joeschmoe]

Is it worth it...?

If you want to be in the firearms business it is required. There is no choice in it. If you're not interested in making money at it, then you don't need one and probably won't qualify. It's not a way to get good deals for yourself or sidestep laws for private citizens.

Unless your just talking about a collectors license, then you can't "deal", just collect.

 

[rule303]

It can be well worth it, if you are willing to invest the time and money to make it work. The more of each, the better. If you have dreams of spending a few hours a week to make an extra couple of grand a month, you can forget it. As far as buying on of the FFL kits, it is a waste of money. Like dogtown tom said, the info is out there free for the taking, and it really isn't that difficult. If you have a premises zoned to allow a firearms business, and you are not a prohibited person, it will be approved. Dealing with the ATF is the easy part.

 

[Fatelvis]

Great, I'll be checking about my zoning this week. It has been a lifelong passion of mine, as I'm sure most of yours, to make money doing something you enjoy. That for me, is dealing in firearms, and firearm related items. Currently, I'm working at another person's LGS, and enjoy it, but I want my own place. I'm ready to work hard, and build a customer base that will hopefully last.

 

[Jim K]

The dealer/gunsmith subject has been covered here time and again, over and over from every aspect. I suggest taking a little time, doing a search on gun dealer and gunsmith and read what has already been posted.

Jim