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#72
ok, what is an FFL and how do you get one if you dont have one?

Thankyou and Godbless
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7 comments

Date Votes
  • #72
    Can one get an ffl for just internet sales if I ddin't want to have a store front just yet.
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  • duckhunter
    IST GO TO YOUR CITY CLERKS OFFICE AND FIND OUT WHAT KIND OF PERMITS YOU CITY REQUIRES TO DO BUSINESS. THEN YOU CAN MAKE UP YOUR MIND IF YOU WANT TO JUMP THROUGH ALL THOSE HOOPS.

    I WOULD RATHER BE DUCK HUNTING.
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  • gmayes
    The first thing you need to do is check with your zoning office to see if they will allow you to sale firearms from your home. If they allow you to do it then just send in the paper work to the ATF and wait till they contact you. Email me if you need any other specifics. I just went through the process and might be able to help you out. By the way what state are you in?

    G. Mayes/// Part Time FFL Dealer/No expert on guns by any means just a Gun Loving Nut
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  • mark christian
    This question has been asked at least once each month for as long as I've been on the boards here but you deserve an answer. The free and easy days of obtaining an FFL are long gone and won't be returning again. It is still possible to get a license but you will have to be able to demonstrate that you can actually do some business. Once your application is processed you can expect a visit from an ATF field inspector. He is going to sit down with you and determine whether or not he feels that you are qualified to become licensed. What the inspector decides during his interview is going to pretty much determine your fate and although there are appeals to his ruling, it is an up hill struggle.

    I suggest that you have all of your ducks in a row before the inspector even shows up. You will need a local business license so either get one now or have the application is your hand to show the field inspector. Do the same with your state sales tax permits. Find out about local zoning laws and if they don't apply to you have a letter from you city saying this in writing. If they do apply to you be prepared to make an appointment with your city council to ask for a variance. You won't get licensed until all of this is resolved. You are gong to have to demonstrate that you can tackle these issues before you'll be granted a license so be prepared with some good solid facts about your state and local ordinaces.

    If you can get past the red tape phase you'll now have to show that you can actually do some business. What is your level of firearms experience? Have you ever been employed at a gun store? Do you have any retail experience? Who are you planning on selling firearms to and how many guns are you planning on selling? If you are interested in law enforcement sales try to get some letters of interest from your local PD or sheriffs office or other LE agencies in or out of state. If you plan to sell only to other FFL's on a wholesale level you should have the names of a few dealers on hand to show that you have at least been reseaching this end of the business. The agent is going to try to determine if you are really planning on doing business or simply want to use your license to purchase firearms for yourself at a discount and without background checks or any possible waiting periods that may apply in your state.

    If you get past this last hurdle you'll need to show that whatever inventory you hold will be secure. What is the security like at your home? Do you own a gun safe (or two?). Doors, locks, windows, alarms and other security devices? The are a lot of variables involved in your licensed premises and the field agent may go easy on you are he may be a real hard nose about this. In the end the agent will either recommend your application be approved or basically tell you to forget about the whole idea. "Exactly why do you want a license"? Be prepared to answer that question in detail...in fact you can practice on us right now...why do you want a license #72?

    Mark T. Christian
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  • Bill Jordan
    I have had a license in a home since 1977 and last Monday had my latest inspection.
    The inspector went over all these issues covered by Mark and then some.
    I also have a C&R and ammo mfg. license and I was asked again if I would like to give them up, to which I said no.
    The shop/ house is zoned "light commercial" and was a beauty shop first,so it had the same requirements as ATF for a seperate entrance, (also has seperate heat an electricity) not accessable to the residence (sliding lockable glass door.
    I had 38 transactions last calender year and the inspector had no problems with the amount of Interstate FFL transfers I have been doing; shows " engaged in the business"
    Off the record, the inspector said they look very hard on a licensee who has not even signed up for the NICS system yet, as it is hard to be in business and not use it!!!
    Over the years, I have had to provide ATF with all the same info that you need to get a Class 3 firearm, so get those fingerprint cards ready, passport photos, diagram of the premises, enterances, exits, alarm system, storage system , etc. In addition, when you renew, you must provide the CLEO in your area of your intent.
    Be that as it may, If you can get one, Congratulations!!!
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  • MFI
    I was always under the impression a store front is required now also.
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  • gmayes
    A store front is not required to recieve a FFL from the ATF. I just received mine about 3 months ago and I don't have a store front.

    G. Mayes/// Part Time FFL Dealer/No expert on guns by any means just a Gun Loving Nut
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