Posted: 9/20/2004 2:07:08 PM EDT
| My local firearms shop is costing me more in transfer fees than I spend on gas. I did a search and found a web site that sells a get your own FFL type of kit. Anybody tried this approach before? |
I looked into it. Just go to the ATF website (http://www.atf.gov/forms/) and order the paper work. Truthfully, whenI looked over the paper work, it seemed like the ATF was actively discouraging the existence of "kitchen table" FFL dealers. It seemed that if you didn't have a store with store hours, then it would be next to impossible to get a FFL. I read somewhere that the number of FFLs has decline from somewhere in the 200,000s to about 60,000s since the 1960. After looking at the paperwork, I can see why. But still, if you can do it, then do it because shipping and transfer fees are definately costly. |
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I've had the paperwork for a few years. You surrender your fourth amendmant protections regarding whatever address you list and whatever other address you may store arms. They can show up when they want and do what they want. I wouldn't apply for the license unless I had an independant structure, on land that was parceled seperately from the house, with its own address. The idea that my actions might subject my family to the whims of BATFE are enough to keep me away from the license for now. All according to plan I guess .......... |
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Remember fellas... The law says the FFL is not for enhancing your personal collection. Rather, it is a business license. If you are looking to collect, then apply for the Curio and Relic license. No business hours, and a lot of the other requirements that a regular FFL has. However, you are basically limite to firearms 50 years old or more. Lots of guys on here are FFL's, sure they can chime in. Good Luck. |
+1 Just read everything else about unlikelyhood of a "home" FFL and the laws against using it for "personal reasons." Also be warned that you can probably make more money selling "FFL kits" than you can as a FFL. 
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Not true but you do need to comply with all local code and zoning requirements and obtain any required occupational permits. If you live in "middle of nowhere" Oklahoma you probably can run a compliant home FFL. But if you live in any kind of town or city they more than likely (99.99%) have code and zoning restrictions that prohibit home firearms businesses. While you can still have tupperware parties in those homes, most places have specific rules about home base gun businesses being a no no. That is the number one obstacle to a home base FFL. However you also certainly don't need a storefront or showroom. The best economical solution is to rent office space or a warehouse both of which will have commercial zoning. This way you satisfy the licensed premise requirement and can operate by appointment only. |