In reality, how tough to get an FFL

[Bubbles]

I was told that if anything was reported "shady", even though I didn't anticipate any shady dealings, that they could come and search my entire house.

Well, technically this is correct, but in this case they would have a warrant. ATF only looks at the "business area" of your home during compliance inspections. If they have a warrant because they think you've been up to no good, then yes, anything in the home (within the restrictions of the warrant) is fair game.

FWIW even having a storefront won't protect you if you're suspected of a crime. When CavArms got raided almost six months ago, the owner's home was searched in addition to the shop.

 

[Bubbles]

The 01 gets a discount on renewal where the 07 is a straight $150 with no discount. But it's nice having all the options on one license.

With an 07 FFL this is what you can do:

Manufacture Title I Firearms
Deal in Title I Firearms
Manufacture Ammunition and Components
Gunsmithing
Pay the Class 2 SOT tax to make NFA weapons
With the 02 SOT you can also deal in NFA weapons
Occasional Importing of Firearms

You may want to double-check the part in read; our inspector told us that was a no-go for an 07; you need an 06 to do that.

The other downside to having an 07 is paying ITAR: $1750 per year, and the DoS wants to increase it to $2250+.

 

[freakshow10mm]

Your ATF dude is wrong. The 07 FFL covers all privileges of an 01 license and an 06 license.

(H3) May a person licensed as a manufacturer of firearms also manufacture ammunition? [Back]

Yes. The person may also manufacture ammunition (not including destructive device ammunition or armor piercing ammunition) without obtaining a separate license as a manufacturer of ammunition.

Yes the ITAR sucks. Word on the street is they don't enforce it. There are a lot of 07/02s not paying the ITAR.

 

[JoseM]

FWIW even having a storefront won't protect you if you're suspected of a crime. When CavArms got raided almost six months ago, the owner's home was searched in addition to the shop.

True...and I have one of their "Cav-Aid 08" lowers. Haven't heard much from them, hope all is well (not to hijack the thead).

 

[Bubbles]

Your ATF dude is wrong. The 07 FFL covers all privileges of an 01 license and an 06 license.

Good to know. Our insurance agent told us it was a no-go without a huge additional premium, though. Tons of potential liability there.

Yes the ITAR sucks. Word on the street is they don't enforce it. There are a lot of 07/02s not paying the ITAR.

Oh I know. I've also seen the penalties for failure to comply, and paying the tax is a lot cheaper.

 

[K9-Bob]

I just had my initial inspection yesterday. The ATF inspector spent about 3 hours with me and approved my home based FFL. I originally mailed my application in on July 16th and had my initial inspection on September 11th. The inspector told me that she would submit her written report and that I should expect to receive my license in about two weeks.

The the inspector was very professional and answered all of my questions to my satisfaction. I didn't feel that there was any animosity whatsoever and she seemed very interested in my success. Most of the time we spent together was going over the state and federal gun laws and book keeping requirements for my FFL. The only other thing she asked to see was my gun safe.

I think that the key for my getting approval was already having the city business license and my retail sales tax number already in hand.

 

[Smaug]

Regarding the zoning thing, this apparently varies.

The FFL I use works out of his house. Most of the bottom floor of his house is his gun shop. He has displays and so forth.

On the other hand, he lives in a wooded subdivision. There is no outward indication that he has a gun shop in his house.

I live in northern IL, for reference.

 

[freakshow10mm]

I think that the key for my getting approval was already having the city business license and my retail sales tax number already in hand.

If you don't, you state on the application that you will comply with local laws within 30 days of the license being issued.

 

[K9-Bob]

My Type 01 FFL arrived in the mail today.

I mailed my application on July 16th.

I had my ATF interview on September 11th.

I received my license on September 26th.

 

[Griz44]

I went through it as well, and I'm glad I did. The city here requires an occupancy permit for the business out of the home, but it's just an inspection by the fire department and a permit to pay for. The ATF takes a long time to process things. They send an agent out to inspect and help instruct you in the paper process. I got lucky and drew a female agent that is very close to my age (late 50's) and just happens to also be an avid bird hunter. We will be hunting together for years to come hopefully (on her lease no less). Yes, it's a hassle, yes it can be very expensive and frustrating. Yes it is worth it.

 

[freakshow10mm]

The ATF processed my SOT class 2 (manufacturer) tax in 11 business days. That's from the day it was mailed out to the day it was in my mailbox. Not bad.