How do you become a ffl

Bryan8

Bryan8

New member
It kills me to keep handing out $40 for transfer fess every time I want to buy a gun and have to have it shipped.

How can I become a FFl so I don't have to keep paying other people to do it?

Maybe I could also make some money in the process

~Bryan
 
I think the BS and the red tape isn't worth it. They have the right to inspect your premises any time they want.
Had a uncle that had them then got ride of it because of it.
Brasshound could answer your question better Im sure you may want to send him a PM
Mike
 
We have been inspected and audited numerous times. Thus far, never a problem. It is still a stressful event. In addition to the ATF paperwork and regulation, you will likely also have state requirements, especially here in the East.
John
 
If it's only about the money, unless you're buying lots of guns a year, you're better off paying the FFL fees. Shop around, I suspect you can find a local FFL holder that'll handle your transactions for less than $40.
 

You might want to shop around on those FFL fees. $40 sounds
HIGH. The shops I deal with, if I buy the gun from them,
long guns are free, and hand guns are whatever the state
adds for a transfer fee. If I purchase on-line/catalog then
about $20 seems to be the going rate, although I have a FFL
holder that will do this for $15, for "good" customers or
friends.

Squeeze
 
I would find another ffl. $40 is high, like the others said most do it around 20 to $25. I get it done for $10. I wouldnt go through the trouble of getting a ffl unless I was buying and selling alot of guns. You are not going to save much money and there is alot that goes along with it.
 
Before to make the jump, think about it. Why do you suppose there are such few people with FFL's? If having ATF breathing down your throat 24/7 and making transfers of weapons that could open you up to civil liability in exchange for a paltry amount of money you could charge for making such transfers, I'd give it a real long thought. I know a few guys who gave up their FFL's because they found the hassel wasn't worth the money.
 
How do you become a ffl?

Fill out some paperwork, send in a check and wait for an answer. I have had mine for 7 years now and never been inspected. Of course I am low volume, in a gun friendly state, in the middle of nowhere. $200 for first license for 3 years, $90 renewal for 3 years after that. They are not interested in licenses for collectors. Wholesale for small dealers is not very cheap, usually I can find stuff cheaper online.
 
I have a manufactures license, actually Two, (ammo & firearm) and I am an open book to the ATF.. Even my private firearms are (pending ATF agent) supposed to be logged into a private book, so they can catch me making a mistake on paper work....
If you purchase a unit for yourself, you still need to have a record of it; everything needs to be logged in to your books. You can log it out as personal, but if you sell that unit within 365 days, you have to log it back in and do a 4473. After 365 days, you can do a private sale, or whatever your state allows..
If I want a personal item, I usually purchase it across the counter from another dealer. (4473) with my CCW permit, yes, I pay for the paper work; it is either built into the sale of the item, or charged separately.
If you want any advice, get a CCW permit that is your friend. Your background check will be done for as long as you keep that permit.
wink.gif

Do me a favor, pay the guy that is willing to do your paper work, he has opened himself up for a lot of grief, and I am sure he has kids to feed too.
We have become Wall-mart shoppers, and it has really hurt our economy. Can anyone tell me how much of each dollar we spend at a Wall- Mart, actually stays within the community? Anyhow,,,,
A fine or prison is not worth trying to con the con man...
 
Oh, just as a note, you also want to make sure that your FFL holder stays in business, if he closes down, he has to turn in all the 4473 to the ATF.. And you all know what that really means..
 
Remember this, on top of the FFL fees you will have to get a local sales tax & business license & most cities & towns charge for them as well.
Some cities do not allow you to operate as an FFL out of your home anylonger also.
You will also have to do your sales tax stuff for the IRS and other stuff Im most likely missing.

When you send your FFL to dealers for your catalogs & dealer price sheets they will ask for your local Buss license & tax lic.
 
Lots of good info here and some from FFL holders. Had mine for 20 plus years before the red tape put me out of the basement gun selling business. Now, you have to proper zoning, business license and state tax collecting license. Not to mention "business hours". Usually, ATF calls before they drop by and will call if it is a routine audit - but they can drop by anytime to look at a 4473. Now that most states have their own forms, anytime someone makes a false statement for a NICS check, then you have state police dropping by to get that form and a statement from you, not to mention a trip to court as a prosecution witness. Now - you still want a license to save $40? Around here, $20 is the going rate, but I see you are in NY. Wonder what they pay in CA?
 
Check on gunbroker for their list of FFLs. You might be able to find a close one that doesn't charge too much. If I remember correctly you can search for FFL holders by zip code.
 
Thanks everyone! I think I'm going to just pay the $$$ for the transfer fees. It seems like wayyy too much work to get an ffl.

Thanks again everyone!

~Bryan
 


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