Thinking about getting an FFL

Member 15244 · Jun 23, 2012

I have recently been thinking about getting an ffl and taking orders for guns just as a side business and for my own personal enjoyment. Does anyone have any advice? Also if i'm ordering and selling guns do you need to have a storefront or is it something you can do out of your home. I know a few members on this board are ffl holders any advice you could offer is greatly appreciated.

FarmerTed1971 · Jun 23, 2012

My opinion only, don't do it if going into it as a "hobby" is your reason. There are enough FFL's out there that take what they do seriously and try and provide for their families with their business and I believe taking business away from them is just not right. Yet again, just my opinion... don't take it the wrong way.

Member 15244 · Jun 23, 2012

No harm I understand what you're saying. I wanted to start it as a side business and work my day job in the meantime, until I could start getting enough business to eventually quit my day job and just sell guns. I should of clarified that. I have a passion for guns and would like to eventually be able to rely on them as my main source of income.

My goal down the road would be to eventually have my own store front, but it will take me a long time and a lot of saving to get to that scale of business.

Mark W. · Jun 23, 2012

You pretty much have to have a store front ATF ain't handing out kitchen table FFL's any more.

ilv4xn · Jun 23, 2012

The ATF want's you to be "in the business" As a "kitchen table FFL" the ATF had no problem handing us our FFL. We have been doing this for about a year and a half. If you have any questions about the process feel free to send me an email [email protected]

BSG 75 · Jun 23, 2012

http://www.northwestfirearms.com/general-firearm-discussion/88913-thinking-about-applying-ffl.html
http://www.northwestfirearms.com/general-firearm-discussion/87057-thinking-getting-ffl.html

Member 15244 · Jun 24, 2012

I'd like to publicly thank Tim from Black Label Arms he's a good guy and was very helpful with the particulars on this subject. Thanks Tim.

deen_ad · Jun 25, 2012

Mark W. said:
You pretty much have to have a store front ATF ain't handing out kitchen table FFL's any more.

Crossroad Arms is out of his house although it was at his dinning room table and not the kitchen.

ilv4xn · Jun 26, 2012

Thank you glad we can help. There are a few things to consider.
If you have trouble organizing your life ie paperwork, paying your bills on time, ect. consider not becoming an FFL. Every thing in an FFL's life is a felony and although not difficult it is very very easy to not keep up on your paperwork. To the ATF if they do an inspection they don't see this as lazy paperwork they see it as what are you hiding. Even our favorite TV gun show has lost their FFL and almost did prison time.

SonicBlue03 · Jun 26, 2012

dw123 said:
I'd like to publicly thank Tim from Black Label Arms he's a good guy and was very helpful with the particulars on this subject. Thanks Tim.

Did you decide to move forward with getting your FFL or did you opt not to? Would be interested to hear what you've decided to do and what swayed your decision.

Either way, good luck

Member 15244 · Jun 27, 2012

I have decided to continue forward to get it thanks to the advice from Tim. The reason why I decided to was that based on the advice I received it is not as hard as people would like to make you think it is, and it is something I really enjoy as well/ I will start the process in November when I have the funds to get everything up and going. Ill post then and let everyone know how it went.

Spitpatch · Jun 30, 2012

Ancient history, but maybe Tim can advise if still valid: My father got his FFl back in the 60's, but only held it for about 5 years (preceding and through the ramp-up of '68.) He decided the clauses about inspections/notice for such/etc. were too much of an invasion of his truly held home as castle. For him it was an issue of sanctity, and exposure of his family.

I would hope that anyone giving advice, or seeking advice about this prospect would gravely and seriously consider what you give up when you take that license (based on the location being your home), and whether what you relinquish is worth what you gain.

A wealth of information regarding the professionalism, restraint, respect for citizenry and good intentions of the BATFE can be obtained with ony a moderate study of Ruby Ridge and Waco.

rusobr2 · Jul 1, 2012

for what it's worth ! my "gun guy" here in prineville has had his "ffl" for 26 yrs. it all started off as a converted "garage affair", which turned into a full time job 10:00 to 10:00.......as he wanted to be open when customers were off from reg. jobs, and he could spend some time with them ! he- in the last 2 yrs. has now shut down, even left his house, and moved into another...with his house still vacant as i type, and the traffic continues ! he stated, between the "atf", "irs", and "oregon tax", and now the "business" owned him, and his time, he was done ! i spent a lot of time there, and even posted a "going out of business sale" on this site !! he also said that when the "OBAMA" administration took over his sales doubled, and so his "time spent" tripled !!!!
just food for thought.......

steven