Federal Firearms License-worth the investment?

[Huckster]

I have seriously considered getting an FFL for several years. I am interested in hearing from any FFL's as to the pro's and con's and is it worth it. I would not be starting a "gun shop" but be a "retail outlet" from home. Firearms would be ordered for a customer purchase only and no inventory would be kept. I would have numerous potential customers for hunters, shooters and also LEO's/LE agencies.

Huckster

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Euclidean]

I'm no expert on this Huckster but my local FFL does exactly what you're considering doing. I think it's freaking brilliant myself. I go to him and give him money. I have to shake my head at my own stupidity.

Then again he can also have BATF agents break down his door, shoot his dogs, and cart him off the the middle of the night never to be seen again without so much as a warrant.

I've got too much tinfoil on my head to seriously consider getting an FFL beyond a C&R, which is lots of fun.

I'd only get a real FFL if it was going to be my livelihood.

[QKShooter]

You Said:
"Then again he can also have BATF agents break down his door, shoot his dogs, and cart him off the the middle of the night never to be seen again without so much as a warrant."
I have friends at ATF
You had better let your dogs sleep at a neighbors house.
You're on the list now.
Everybody say "Bye" to Euclidean 'cause we're never going hear from him again.
But, souvenir pieces of his front door will be up for sale on Ebay.

[Bumper]

Honestly, it does open your home up to "inspection" 24 hours a day/7 days a week. I had one for awhile and let it go about 10 years ago....

[Prospector]

I had considered it too but figured that unless I was ordering a crapload of weapons from the manufacturer, I'd probably not get much in the way of "discounted" prices. Besides, the darn paperwork you gotta maintain is a hassle from what I understand. I figured it best left to the "businessman"...I'll continue to buy onesy-twosey !!

[mchasal]

I'm not sure if this is correct, but I remember reading somewhere that they weren't giving out FFLs to folks who weren't starting a gun shop or business anymore. I guess concerns that people were getting FFLs just to make getting guns easier for criminal purposes. Again, not sure if it's true, but you might want to look into it.

I should add that all that is assuming you're talking about a full FFL. If you're talking about a C&R FFL, that's a different story. As far as I know, they are still giving those out. It doesn't allow you to have modern firearms shipped to you, but it does get you the dealer prices, at least at Brownell's.

Mike

[Bumper]

I'm not sure if this is correct, but I remember reading somewhere that they weren't giving out FFLs to folks who weren't starting a gun shop or business anymore. I guess concerns that people were getting FFLs just to make getting guns easier for criminal purposes. Again, not sure if it's true, but you might want to look into it.

I should add that all that is assuming you're talking about a full FFL. If you're talking about a C&R FFL, that's a different story. As far as I know, they are still giving those out. It doesn't allow you to have modern firearms shipped to you, but it does get you the dealer prices, at least at Brownell's.

Mike

Actually, you are partially correct and in practice you may be even more so. When we were at the SHOT Show, we picked up an FFL kit from ATF. They will still issue them to people running businesses at home but they make sure you have the necessary business licenses and that your home is zoned properly to sell firearms. I don't remember all of the requirements without looking back through the packet they gave me but I remember at the time both Nighthawk and I both quickly decided that we would not apply except as corporate with your attorney as the address of record. I think it's fair to say they are tightening up on the "casual" gun dealer.

[Huckster]

Just as an FYI, I ordered the FFL packet from ATF. Didnt cost anything, I hope I can make an informed decision from there. Thanks for the replys.

Huckster

[CLASS3NH]

Just as an FYI, I ordered the FFL packet from ATF. Didnt cost anything, I hope I can make an informed decision from there. Thanks for the replys.

Huckster

Hi Huck...As being a former 01 and 03 dealer, I find that since I gave up both of them, I'm sometimes find myself kicking my butt for doing it. On the other hand, if you're not doing great business, but selling about 10% over "Cost", and let me tell you, there are PLENTY of "wholesale" guys out there to compete with. Th only way to really maximize profit, is with doing used and older gun sales. The trades you make, is where you make your living. IMHO, you need to buy out collections, from older gents, and such. I was ALWAYS wheeling and dealing to keep the $$ flow in the black. I had several competitors in my area, and we all kept a reasonable price difference to promote our sales.
If you're going to sell NEW only, then be prepared to spend a LOTTA Bucks to get up and running. THEN, you'll be prodded to buy certain slow movers, to get the cream of the crop. I had a guy I did a LOT of money with in New jersey. When the AWB came into effect, I attempted to buy some Polytech Type 56 AK's from him at his "advertised" price of 272.00 each. When I called him, I got an answer of "ummmm the price is now 550.00 each"... mind you, I had ordered the guns a week prior to this. (about 20 of them) The "distibutor" never got another penny from me, as I was buying big $$ from his distributorship.
I guess what I'm saying is, go for it, and get the slip from the ATF, cuz you never know, when you'll ever have the chance again. Just watch out for the sharks out there. If you want more info, I can lead you in a decent direction for distributors.
Good Luck, and I hope you get your "01" slip