FFL

[archer 9505]

I am interested in getting an FFL. Working out of my home. I have seen "FFL Kits" offered on the INTERNET and one was described in my latest American Rifleman.
I have a few questions:
1. What are the cost to get an FFL?
2. How long does it take?
3. Do you have any experiences with the "Kits" that are out there; good or bad?
4. Any pitfalls associated with an FFL that I may not be considering?

 

[jmace57]

I'm sure you will get a range of responses as to whether the FFL Kits are worth it. In reading threads on other boards, the general consensus I saw is that everything they provide is available SOMEWHERE for free. There are a lot of people who say that these are worth it because you KNOW you will have everything you will need...they tell you the best way to phrase answers, etcetera. I have a C&R License, but if I was going for a Class 1, I would be very tempted to get one of these kits. My 2 cents.

 

[Alland]

I am interested in getting an FFL. Working out of my home. I have seen "FFL Kits" offered on the INTERNET and one was described in my latest American Rifleman.
I have a few questions:
1. What are the cost to get an FFL?
2. How long does it take?
3. Do you have any experiences with the "Kits" that are out there; good or bad?
4. Any pitfalls associated with an FFL that I may not be considering?

3. The kit is not necessary, all the required forms are available from the BATFE.
4. You must have, depending on your location, business license, sales tax registration, and comply with zoning requirements. Liability insurance.

I had a home FFL for twelve years and never had an inspection or audit after the initial visit.

 

[Birch Knoll]

I am interested in getting an FFL. Working out of my home. I have seen "FFL Kits" offered on the INTERNET and one was described in my latest American Rifleman.

Don't bother with those kits. They're entirely unnecessary. Everything you need is easily available online. Start here.

What are the cost to get an FFL?

The initial license fee for an 01 FFL (dealer) is $200 for 3 years; $90 for a 3 year renewal. There are many other things you may spend money on, though. If you intend to incorporate or form an LLC, there will be state filing fees. You may wish to obtain insurance. You will absolutely need to obtain zoning approval from your local government; ATF will gleefully deny your application if you do not.

How long does it take?

At least 2 months; 3 or 4 doesn't seem unusual.

3. Do you have any experiences with the "Kits" that are out there; good or bad?

As mentioned above, you do not need them. All their suggestions to the contrary, there are no secrets to getting an FFL, even based out of your home. If you can legally operate a business out of your home (and this can be a big if), you can get an FFL.

Any pitfalls associated with an FFL that I may not be considering?

Well, yeah. You'll be a federally-license firearms dealer. You'll need to know and comply with the law in every little detail, or you risk losing your license (if you're lucky), or prosecution, fines and imprisonment (if you're not).

 

[Ryanxia]

Listen to ttolhurst he knows his stuff. He also gave me this link that seems to be pretty good (haven't gotten too in depth with it yet)

http://www.firearmstalk.com/forums/f47/ffl-how-40660/

 

[oneounceload]

If you the education of a third grader or above, you do not need to buy some kit. Federal documents (IRS excluded) are written to that level of education. Fill out the info - but - check your local laws, rules and regs first about operating out of your home. If your local HOA, city, county, whatever, will not allow it, the BATFE won't approve

 

[Bubbles]

See my post #12 - and can we make it a sticky? Because this question is getting asked about once a week.

I'd also avoid the kits because there's no sense paying for info that the ATF is providing at no cost, and at least one of them has been found to contain incorrect information.

 

[RhinoDefense]

My advice: If you don't know how to run a business properly, don't start one. I've seen too many people turn a hobby into a business and fail because they have no business skills. Being a gun dealer/FFL is no different than any other industry. You need licensing, zoning, and paperwork. The rest is just business (capital, marketing, accounting, customer service, quality product/service, employee management, etc).

Never pay someone for something you can get for free.