Total cost to own / manufacture post-1986 full auto guns?

[Mark-Smith]

So to own fully automatic weapons made after 1986 and make fully automatic guns, how much money does it cost to get to that point?

SOT, FFL, minimum amount of yearly sales, etc.

If your knowledge on the subject will lead you to post 'a lot' without any actual figures, please refrain from clicking that 'post' button.

So far there's the SOT and FFL costs, and there's a business license cost in most states, then you have to manufacture actual firearms, and if you're a single gun smith, hopefully a lathe and a few other basic tools won't run more than a new car or so.

What exactly is considered by the ATF to be a legitimate business? How much in sales? To be a manufacturer, do you need to make expensive to machine things, or just any firearm related items? Does converting other firearms to sell to LE / other dealers etc count?

 

[Bubbles]

FFL $150/3 years for a Type 07, or $3000/3 years for a Type 10
SOT $500/year or $1000/year, depending on your gross receipts
Insurance $2000/year
ITAR $2250/year
State and local business licenses - varies

Facility Rental - $0 (for home-based) up to ?
Utilities - Minimal (for home-based) up to ?

Once you start buying tools and equipment, the sky is the limit.

 

[mopar92]

A local guy spent a fortune starting up and was constantly hassled about " your just building toys for yourself"... Once he had some affiliation with the local Sheriff, BATFE stopped harassing him. He had about $10,000 in startup from the licensing and I think. He bought a used lathe and Mill as well... Good luck

 

[Mark-Smith]

$10k isn't too bad, less than most small businesses.

What is the market like for selling guns? Do you have to sell fully automatic guns, or just any guns?

 

[mopar92]

Honestly, he does it more or less part time. I don't know if the local police pay enough for him to support himself...