Obtaining FFL

Flinch Morningwood · August 12, 2009, 09:45:07 AM

I am considering getting my FFL and in doing some research, I find a whole bunch of "kits" online that supposedly help you move thru the process. I looked at the ATF website and they are remarbaly un-helpful.

I have been doing my own repairs and action awork and have some folks ask me to do theirs...as well as make and fit some custom grips, etc. I am thinking of maybe expanding this and think a FFL might make it easier.

Are their any "kits" you folks recommend or any other helpful info you might have to push a pardner in the right direction?

Thanks!

Matt Bastardson · August 12, 2009, 06:27:14 PM

I was just on the ATF site the other day looking for similar information. They seem to be not inclined to be very helpful in that regard. After about 30 minutes I still couldn't find any information other than you need to call them and have them send you an FFL application packet, as they don't post the FFL application forms online. Big help they are there, huh.

If I recall correctly, they've recently (past 10 years or so?) made it more difficult to get an FFL without having an actual 'store' location. I could be wrong about that though. The idea was to prevent the prevalence (at the time) of FFL holders selling guns out of the trunk of their cars

I didn't even see anyplace at ATF where the assorted fees, license prices, and requirements were posted.

St. George · August 12, 2009, 06:35:35 PM

By all means - get the BATF Forms mailed to you - they're easy enough to follow - and those folks 'are' helpful, when talking one-on-one.

You might want to be aware of the distance you may be from a school, though - and they do prefer a storefront operation - complete with posted hours.

The days of the old 'Basement Bandits' are long gone - they want to see that you are, in fact - making some of your living in the trade.

If you're going to work on guns and charge for the services - it'd be a very good idea to see about attending one of the Gunsmith Schools and even take courses in machining and welding before you hang out a shingle, and I'd recommend doing that before you got an FFL, since that education will speak volumes about your legitimacy and seriousness.

Good Luck.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

John Taylor · August 12, 2009, 06:51:09 PM

You will need to have the shop separate from your house. Not necessary to have a store front if you are just dealing though shipped products but you will need regular business hours. If your not selling guns and only doing repairs you probably won't get inspected to often. You will need a log book for logging in every frame that was made after 1898 ( Brownells has these) . Local law enforcement will be required to take your prints and you will need to get an OK from the HNIC. License is $90 for three years. If you buy actions and make guns out of them you will need a manufactures license, even if you buy old Mauser rifles and rebuild them for sale.

Matt Bastardson · August 13, 2009, 08:26:44 PM

In other words, unless you plan to do a substantial amount of business and/or open up a shop, it's not worth the paperwork and hassle.

What is the cost for a 'curio and relics' license? I didn't see that anywhere on the ATF site either.

Thanks

Professor Marvel · August 13, 2009, 11:49:09 PM

Quote from: Matt Bastardson on August 13, 2009, 08:26:44 PM
In other words, unless you plan to do a substantial amount of business and/or open up a shop, it's not worth the paperwork and hassle.

What is the cost for a 'curio and relics' license? I didn't see that anywhere on the ATF site either.

Thanks

The Crufflers license is a different breed of license entirely, it was specifically designed for the hobbyist/collector, allowing them to buy/sell send/receive post- 98 firearms the same as an FFL but only for specified C&R designated firearms and only for their personal collection. AFAIK Log books and inspections remain similar as an FFL.

While it certainly facilitates collecting I don't know that it would help your situation of 'smithing.
yhs
Prof Marvel

St. George · August 14, 2009, 10:30:15 AM

A 'Curiio and Relic' license is designed for a collector who's building his collection - not as a device for a seller to circumvent existing law.

They frown on C&R holders becoming a 'business', since that's what an FFL is for.

Log binders 'are' maintained and all applicable rules are met when a weapon comes in or goes out.

If you're actually considering this - then a manufacturer's license will be a handy thing to have.

None of this is difficult, and the BATF is helpful when asked.

The difficult part lies in the fact that making an actual living from gunsmithing isn't all that easy - and folks do expect their 'gunsmith' to have a background in several disciplines, when they look for quality work, since they'll certainly be charged for it.

You might try becoming an apprentice to a local 'smith and/or machine shop (Shop Class in High School doesn't quite cut it) and come up slowly.

Good Luck.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

Matt Bastardson · August 14, 2009, 06:53:49 PM

What's the cost for a manufacturer's license? I didn't see that on the ATF website either. Gee, do you get the feeling that ATF isn't exactly keen on handing out licenses for _anything_? LOL!

GunClick Rick · September 17, 2009, 12:47:50 AM

All i know here in Ca.some folks were grandfathered in as they worked from a converted garage or home office,other than that you have to have a brick and mortor store and it's not very profitable,on the other hand the big boys around here charge 80.00 and up to do a transfer,i even had a few quote me 125.00 or more and i had to travel 300 miles once for a nine shooter 22 High Standard cowboy gun to do a face to face as it was not on a drop list.I even called the ATF about the high charges and was told it was a loop hole,after the 35.00 they could charge whatever they wanted to transfer the paper work.I argued with one and got him down to 50 but he sure didn't want me to get the shooter from someone else an not him,but he was even a 100.00 more on the one a iwanted i got from out of state cheaper all the way around.
Got all my stuff from philrezac@yahoo.com and he was very very helpful with everythingand the folks at EMF are just great also.They did something for they didn't even have to do in the way of a new stock being at my front door in a couple days.I have a stock autographed by Harry Carey Jr. it had a tiny tiny little crack on the inside that probably would never had hurt nothin all i did was ask about it and to my surprise a new stock was delivered and my Harey Carey stock is still perfect.BLESS THIER HEARTS!

The Connemara Kid · September 22, 2009, 03:18:53 PM

Quote from: Professor Marvel on August 13, 2009, 11:49:09 PM
The Crufflers license is a different breed of license entirely, it was specifically designed for the hobbyist/collector, allowing them to buy/sell send/receive post- 98 firearms the same as an FFL but only for specified C&R designated firearms and only for their personal collection. AFAIK Log books and inspections remain similar as an FFL.

While it certainly facilitates collecting I don't know that it would help your situation of 'smithing.
yhs
Prof Marvel

Just to add on here...

Any firearm over 50 years old is a C&R.
The list also contains every Colt SAA made as late as 1976!

It also pays for itself in discounts from Brownells and Midway.