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What is FFL paperwork?

odogg
I have agreed to buy a gun from a friend of mine. Here in Kansas, FFL paperwork is not required if a gun is bought from an individual. However, my friend wants to do FFL paperwork anyway because he said that if the gun was still registered in his name and I or someone else used it in a crime, he could get in trouble.

Since I have never filled out FFL paperwork before, I am a bit nervous. I have had some people tell me that it is similar to the "No Fly" list and that sometimes people with common name's have their names on the list. For example, there was a 2 year old that was unable to fly because their name was on the "No Fly" list a couple of years ago.

I know that people with felonies can not own guns. I dont have any felonies. However, I have received about a half dozen traffic tickets, but I havent gotten one for over 5 years. Also, over 10 years ago, I received an under age possession of alcohol ticket. Could this make it where my name is on the "No gun" list?

It would seem strange if it was because I already own about a half dozen guns that I have bought at auctions and garage sales.

If someone could please explain to me what the FFL paper is and does I would appreciate it. I tried searching google, but all I got there was links to how people convicted of felonies cant own guns.

Thank you for your help!
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • mark christian
    The only possible way to get the "FFL paperwork" performed is to go to an FFL dealer and have him fill out a 4473 as only dealers can execute that form. In states where private sales are unregulated and do not have to go through dealers it may not be all that easy to find a dealer who'll want to bother since there is nothing in it for him except calling in for the Brady Check and then holding onto the paperwork for a couple of decades. You can probably find a guy who'll do it for a fee, but you'd better find out up front what kind of charge he has in mind. I am a dealer and to be 100% honest with you; unless this is a gun that you can't live without I would not want to go to the time and trouble of dragging everyone to an FFL dealer and going through the paperwork because there is no reason for it. You'll breeze through the 4473 and be approved so don't worry about that.
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  • Herschel
    Prepare a bill of sale in duplicate giving the description and serial number of the gun and identification of both buyer and seller. Both of you sign it and each keep a copy.

    Mark Christian has given you complete and accurate information about ffl paperwork.
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  • odogg
    quote:Originally posted by mark christian
    The only possible way to get the "FFL paperwork" performed is to go to an FFL dealer and have him fill out a 4473 as only dealers can execute that form. In states where private sales are unregulated and do not have to go through dealers it may not be all that easy to find a dealer who'll want to bother since there is nothing in it for him except calling in for the Brady Check and then holding onto the paperwork for a couple of decades. You can probably find a guy who'll do it for a fee, but you'd better find out up front what kind of charge he has in mind. I am a dealer and to be 100% honest with you; unless this is a gun that you can't live without I would not want to go to the time and trouble of dragging everyone to an FFL dealer and going through the paperwork because there is no reason for it. You'll breeze through the 4473 and be approved so don't worry about that.



    Thanks Mark for the response. I was aware that a dealer would have to complete the paperwork and that more than likely a fee would be charged. My main concern was that my name could show up on the "No Gun" list if there is such a thing. Is the FFL check similar to the "No Fly" list that the airport does? I have a fairly common name.

    Just to explain my nervousness...I received my underage possession of alcohol ticket in a case of mistaken identity. Police came to my home because they had a warrant for someone with the same name as me. When I answered the door, I had no idea it was the police and I had a beer in my hand. They arrested me and released me within an hour, but I still got the ticket for underage possession of alcohol. I called the prosecutor the next day and explained the situation, but he said that I should just pay the ticket. Back then, the ticket was similar to a speeding ticket and all you had to do was sign the back and mail it in. But ever since then, I have been nervous that I could have mistaken identity happen to me again.

    So do you think I have anything to worry about with the FFL paperwork? Or do you think I will still be ok?
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  • odogg
    quote:Originally posted by Herschel
    Prepare a bill of sale in duplicate giving the description and serial number of the gun and identification of both buyer and seller. Both of you sign it and each keep a copy.

    Mark Christian has given you complete and accurate information about ffl paperwork.


    Hershel, I tried telling my friend that a bill of sale would work for the transaction, but he is adamant that we do FFL paperwork. He said he would even pay the dealer fee.

    So my only concern is that because I have a common name, that my name might show up on the "No Gun" list if there is such a thing.
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  • Herschel
    odogg, Go to the list of dealers on gunbroker who do transfers. There will probably be one in your area. You and your friend go and take the gun to the dealer who you find. The dealer will want to see the gun. Don't worry about your name showing up on some kind of list. They have ways to make sure of your identity.
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  • CS8161
    quote:Originally posted by odogg
    quote:Originally posted by Herschel
    Prepare a bill of sale in duplicate giving the description and serial number of the gun and identification of both buyer and seller. Both of you sign it and each keep a copy.

    Mark Christian has given you complete and accurate information about ffl paperwork.


    Hershel, I tried telling my friend that a bill of sale would work for the transaction, but he is adamant that we do FFL paperwork. He said he would even pay the dealer fee.

    So my only concern is that because I have a common name, that my name might show up on the "No Gun" list if there is such a thing.


    Tell him to stick the gun where the sun don't shine..if he is that paranoid, I would not bother dealing with him!
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  • 11b6r
    Odogg, from a Federal standpoint, they got you for a very minor misdemeanor offense. Unless the offense is a felony, OR a crime of domestic violence- and unless you are "on the run" from the law, it should have no effect on your background check. Depending on which dealer you pick around HERE, the fee may be $50-$100. You have been given good advice re: bill of sale- if that is not enough for your friend, I would pass the deal up.
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  • nmyers
    But, your friend would be wise to request & retain a photocopy of your drivers license, as that would prove that he sold it to a resident of his state.

    Neal
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  • babun
    Hand your friend a signed,dated,numbered, bill of sale and a copy of THE SECOND AMENDMENT.
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  • mark christian
    You'll make it through the 4473. If you are really nervous about being confused with someone else then be sure to include you Social Security Number on Line 8 of the 4473. It is totally optional and the form will be processed without it (which is why virtually no ever includes their SSN) but it should put your mind at ease.

    I very seldom ever get up on the soapbox here but my feelings are that going through with the dealer transfer when there is no reason for it only encourages anti gunners to make it mandatory for everyone. They simply read this thread and say "Look, here are two guys who are nervous, they want to be sure that everything is on the up and up and are willing to go through a dealer and have the background check performed even when they don't have to. Since "honest" gun buyers are willing to do it even if they don't ahve to then why not make it mandatory for everyone"? Before you know it they have closed John McCain's "Gun Show Loophole" and pretty soon everyone is forced to run down to dealers every time they want to buy or sell a gun. I think it is bad policy.

    I am now off the soapbox.
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