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11/16/2010 12:08:51 PM EDT
Is a safe required for a FFL? I'm wanting to purchase a large safe than I currently have budgeted for but this most likely won't happen until 30-60 days after my FFL is approved. Is this going to be a problem during my inspection?
11/16/2010 12:46:34 PM EDT
[#1]
Yes, it is.  The inspector that did mine asked to see the safe for storage of guns which were to be held for pending sales.








She also told me that the safe designated as part of the business should be reserved for guns on your log book pending sale, and not personal weapons.




ETA changed to a more definitive reply

 
11/16/2010 1:37:11 PM EDT
[#2]
No, only a safe storage area, that doesn't have to be a vaulted safe.  I am an FFL and I do not use a safe.
11/16/2010 2:50:52 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
No, only a safe storage area, that doesn't have to be a vaulted safe.  I am an FFL and I do not use a safe.


What defines a safe storage area?
11/16/2010 2:54:16 PM EDT
[#4]
Pretty much has to have a lock.

A spare closet to which you mount a keyed locking doorknob, or a shelf with some padded cable bicycle locks will meet the requirement.
11/16/2010 3:41:11 PM EDT
[#5]



Quoted:


Is a safe required for a FFL? I'm wanting to purchase a large safe than I currently have budgeted for but this most likely won't happen until 30-60 days after my FFL is approved. Is this going to be a problem during my inspection?


No.



The only lock of any kind required by law is child safety locks for handguns.



 
11/16/2010 3:51:42 PM EDT
[#6]
There is absolutely no regulation that you have to have a safe (or a safe area). End of debate.
11/16/2010 4:25:38 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Is a safe required for a FFL? I'm wanting to purchase a large safe than I currently have budgeted for but this most likely won't happen until 30-60 days after my FFL is approved. Is this going to be a problem during my inspection?


Quoted:
Yes, it is.  The inspector that did mine asked to see the safe for storage of guns which were to be held for pending sales.

She also told me that the safe designated as part of the business should be reserved for guns on your log book pending sale, and not personal weapons.

ETA changed to a more definitive reply
 


Quoted:
Pretty much has to have a lock.

A spare closet to which you mount a keyed locking doorknob, or a shelf with some padded cable bicycle locks will meet the requirement.


C'mon guys! Some of you have had your FFL for a long time and should know better.

There is no Federal law or ATF regulation that requires a safe, an alarm, a big bad dog or even a lock on your front door.

Federal law does require you to comply with the "safe storage" of firearms, which is in regards to the Child Safety Lock Act of 2005. This law requires that locks or SAFE STORAGE (ie lockable boxes or cases) be available at your licensed premises. Any ATF Industry Operations Investigator that insinuates that a gun safe is required is overstepping their authority and speaking out of their ass.

Regarding "personal" firearms in your "business" safe.......perfectly acceptable...... as long as they are tagged "personal firearm-not for sale". Brownells even sells little tags already preprinted for this very situation.
11/16/2010 4:53:56 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Is a safe required for a FFL? I'm wanting to purchase a large safe than I currently have budgeted for but this most likely won't happen until 30-60 days after my FFL is approved. Is this going to be a problem during my inspection?


Quoted:
Yes, it is.  The inspector that did mine asked to see the safe for storage of guns which were to be held for pending sales.

She also told me that the safe designated as part of the business should be reserved for guns on your log book pending sale, and not personal weapons.

ETA changed to a more definitive reply
 


Quoted:
Pretty much has to have a lock.

A spare closet to which you mount a keyed locking doorknob, or a shelf with some padded cable bicycle locks will meet the requirement.


C'mon guys! Some of you have had your FFL for a long time and should know better.

There is no Federal law or ATF regulation that requires a safe, an alarm, a big bad dog or even a lock on your front door.

Federal law does require you to comply with the "safe storage" of firearms, which is in regards to the Child Safety Lock Act of 2005. This law requires that locks or SAFE STORAGE (ie lockable boxes or cases) be available at your licensed premises. Any ATF Industry Operations Investigator that insinuates that a gun safe is required is overstepping their authority and speaking out of their ass.

Regarding "personal" firearms in your "business" safe.......perfectly acceptable...... as long as they are tagged "personal firearm-not for sale". Brownells even sells little tags already preprinted for this very situation.



Bravo, Well said.  Mine said- "Got Locks?" me- "Yep"- IO-"OK".  Done and Done.
11/17/2010 8:15:09 AM EDT
[#9]
Where is the cheapest place to buy locks for guns?
11/17/2010 8:28:30 AM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
Where is the cheapest place to buy locks for guns?


I know in PA many of the local police dept's and State Police barracks give them away for free. Don't need one for each gun, just a couple to have on hand.
11/17/2010 2:17:28 PM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Where is the cheapest place to buy locks for guns?


I know in PA many of the local police dept's and State Police barracks give them away for free. Don't need one for each gun, just a couple to have on hand.


+1

Don't go buy a metric ton. All you need to do is have a few on hand.
I even have customers give me their locks if they don't like them.

Sources for cheap locks: WalMart, Dollar stores, CDNN are a few.
11/19/2010 6:01:44 PM EDT
[#12]
No safe is required nor has was it ever required. I got my FFL back in '93 and did not have a safe until a few years ago. Child locks back in '05 came around so I keep a few on hand. Stop by some of the local LE offices and see if you can get some for free. Also, almost all new firearms come with a lock. A lot of my customers do not want them so they leave them with me. I keep them for used firearms that I don't have one for.
11/20/2010 9:44:24 AM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:

Quoted:
Is a safe required for a FFL? I'm wanting to purchase a large safe than I currently have budgeted for but this most likely won't happen until 30-60 days after my FFL is approved. Is this going to be a problem during my inspection?

No.

The only lock of any kind required by law is child safety locks for handguns.
 


+1
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