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How does one obtain a FFL?
- Thread starter Spirex288
- Start date
I recently obtained an FFL. In my business we deal in antique weapons, but wanted to expand into selling W.W.I and W.W.II weapons, so an FFL became necessary. The application process is not that difficult, just a lot of jumping through hoops (ie. getting finger printed, photographed,, etc.).The ATF seems to be concerned that people applying for an FFL are a legit business. One of the questions on the application was, "Do you plan to make a profit at this business?" , which struck me as funny (Good Lord I hope to make a profit!), but what they were really getting at is whether this is for real business purposes or just a hobby. In the past some people have tried to obtain FFLs in order to add to their personal gun collection. After the application was sent in the ATF office in our area telephoned to set up an appointment for an agent to visit our place of business and interview us. Rather than the "jack booted government thug" some might have expected we were visited by a very nice, polite, and professional woman (business suit rather than flak jacket) who went through the list of topics they are required to discuss with us, took a look around our shop, and answered the questions we had about the gun laws, procedures, etc. The application fee was $200 , and the entire process took about six weeks. Once you have an FFL you are obligated to keep exacting records regarding all firearms transactions. The ATF has the right to make a surprise inspection of your place of business and your records once a year; otherwise they have a right to inspect records at any time with a search warrant. You should contact the ATF to see if it is possible to get an FFL for a home based business, but it is my understanding that they prefer that you have a regular storefront business. As a private collector you have the right to sell so many guns per year, but again, you should contact the ATF for that information. Even as a private collector, I would advise you to keep records of your firearm transactions because if a gun once owned by you is used in a crime, they WILL trace it back to you.