What does an FFL need to know?

[Superpsy]

I've been reading up pretty extensively on what is needed to get an 01 FFL license (zoning laws, liability insurance etc. etc.). Of course, I've come across excellent posts by dogtown and Bubbles, as well as others. Thanks guys and gals!

I still have a pretty major question though. What's the FFL interview like? Is there a resource available for studying laws and guidelines that I need to know about? For example, the bound book requirement. I keep hearing about it but where can I actually get info on what needs to be in it?

 

[Superpsy]

After searching more intensively on the ATF website came across this...

http://www.atf.gov/publications/download/p/atf-p-5300-15.pdf

Is this it?

 

[TexasRifleman]

The primary purpose of the interview is to simply find out if you really and truly intend to be "in the business" or just wanting to get cheap guns for you and your buddies.

Friend of mine got his a couple of years ago and had no questions on laws, gun storage, etc. All they wanted to know was that he was seriously going to try to make a living selling guns.

Do expect them to ask about your permits and zoning paperwork. They may call the city or county and check on that stuff before they arrive, so be completely honest.

The pdf you link to is certainly something you want to read several times, absolutely.

 

[dogtown tom]

Everything you need to know is at atf.gov

Although ATF calls it an interview it is really more a meeting to answer YOUR questions. By the time ATF calls to schedule your meeting they will know if your premises is legal for conducting a business.

The IOI (Industry Operations Investigator) will review forms, make sure that you are clear on the procedure for conducting a firearm transfer and may ask to see your sales tax permit and any business licenses that are required by your city, county or state.

I've had two different IOI's conduct inspections/interviews. Both were professional, friendly and genuinely helpful. While the internet loves to relay stories of how the ATF hates "kitchen table" dealers, the reality is that kitchen table dealers account for the majority of FFL's.

I strongly advise reading EVERYTHING on the ATF website. Start with the Firearms FAQ's, then read the actual law cited below the faq answer. The FFL Newsletters are also helpful.

Understand that there is a number of FFL's who do not, have not, and never will go and read the regulations for themselves. They seem to get by on information handed down by other FFL's. Trust no one but yourself.....not even those IOI's.......if you cannot verify a rule, regulation or law and see it in writing....it probably doesn't exist.

 

[Bubba613]

The primary purpose of the interview is to simply find out if you really and truly intend to be "in the business" or just wanting to get cheap guns for you and your buddies.

No. The primary purpose is to put you in jail when you fail to follow regs. That's why they have you sign and initial a checklist of all the regs you're bound to follow.
More seriously it is to insure that the dealer knows what is expected of him. By and large ATF is not the monster that some make them out to be. THey are mainly there to help you comply. That has been my consistent experience. It isn't a quiz with a pass/fail.

 

[newfalguy101]

My experience was exactly like dogtown's.

It was more of a conversation/training session than an interview.

The guy was knowledgable, friendly, and easy to visit with.

 

[tmacie]

Yep, mine was a training session more than anything. My inspector had called my towns zoning office and probably the police department as well. The only question he had for me was: Do you have any questions? It was simple.

Travis

 

[Superpsy]

Thanks, I appreciate the responses.