I’m interested in acquiring a basic (no explosives or automatic weapons) license. I can either deal direct with ATF or pay $30.00 (in addition to the cost of the license itself) or so to one of many suppliers who say they make the process easier. Anyone have any experience in this regard?
First: what is your reason for doing this? Do you want to start a business, increase your collection, buy for friends, what? Generally speaking, the ATF only thinks the first is a legitimate reason for a FFL-01. They also generally like a storefront, i.e. you can’t use your home address as your “store.” If you like collecting old military rifles, then look into a FFL-03 (Curio & Relics) license. You can also get the same discounts from retailers with both types. I don’t have much experience with 01 but I have an 03.
From what I’ve read, the people who charge for FFL help are mostly scammy. They don’t give you anything you can’t find yourself with a little time.
I found this thread on Calguns which I hope can help. It’s California-specific, I don’t know if you’re currently in San Diego. For people out of CA the requirements might be stricter than you need.
The local gun retailers here in CA really rip buyers off when it comes to receiving out-of-state purchases. Most around here charge $75-$100. In other parts of the country the cost to take delivery and handle paperwork is far less. Being semi-retired and with some time on my hands, I thought I’d make the service available at a lesser cost than would otherwise be available here. Just a little something occupy some time and pick up a few bucks every now and then.
This is incorrect.
Myself and many, many people have FFL dealerships out of their homes, and the BATF is quite aware of them. As long as all the regulations are obeyed it’s perfectly legal and acceptable.
Deal with the BATF yourself. It’s not really any big deal and you’ll still have your $30 instead of an expensive pile of papers telling you how to deal with the BATF yourself.
That’ll teach me to not check things I see on gun forums. Next you’ll say that Obama isn’t really a Marxist Muslim sleeper agent!
That said, you would need to deal with zoning to run in from your home. In California, YMMV.
I had to get a signed letter from the city council indicating that they knew what I was doing and that it adhered to the local zoning laws. I also had to get a state sellers permit/tax id number.
I think that much confusion about home business is the fact that people, using a home address for the business, need to have established hours of business. Perhaps posted?
I was on the Dope a few months ago, in re: a very similar question. The dealers on board here said that the ATF were actually helpful, and weren’t wanting to hinder any firearms dealer from getting a license. So, save the 30 clams.
Best wishes,
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Every three years when I renew my license I have to put down what hours I’m “open”. I always have put down “by appointment only” and have yet to have any problems with that.
Not to start a political debate, but when I first got my FFL Reagan was President and the ATF agents were beautiful. They guided me through every step of the way.
I had to renew twice while Clinton was POTUS and the ATF were a bunch of horrible, harassing, pushy jerks. Their goal, per the Clinton administration, was to get as many kitchen table FFL businesses as they could to fold up shop. And they were successful at it: quite a few gave up their license because they were sick of what the ATF was doing. I made it through but it was a big PITA!
I haven’t had any problems in the last 8 years.