I've considered polishing stainless guns on the side for extra cash. I have a jewelers rotary tool, rouge polishes and several wheels that I use to clean my guns up. Does nayone think this might be a good idea to make some side money? Just have people ship me their gun and adjust cost to the severity of finish or time involved? Just a fun idea I have.

Joe

If it involves sending firearms an FFL will be needed. Shipping handguns over night is about $50 each way. The polishing itself is not the biggest concern. You might have better luck at local gun shows (and working on local's guns) where you can show off your work. HTH

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Bill - SWCA #2327

yessir, as said above, you must keep it as a hobby , for friends, again, as said above "locally" ,do it as a business, you open the door for any and all liability as well, and does fall under the realm of gunsmithing and an 'FFL' may be needed..........you can always call them (BATFE) and ask

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dan
NRA Benefactor,PMA

Unfortunately, the days of doing small money making gunsmithing jobs are over.

Today, you'll almost certainly have to have a Federal Firearms License as a gunsmith. (I know, you aren't really gunsmithing, but the BATF says you ARE, and you have to have a FFL license). This means that if you intend to receive a gun from out of state OR if you keep the gun overnight, you are required to have an FFL and keep an FFL record book to show the BATF when they inspect you.

If you have a FFL you also have to have a state tax number, and any state or local licenses or permits.
You also have to have your "place of business or shop" in an area that zoned for a business.
Locally, there was a man recently who wanted to do stock refinishing to earn some money on the weekends.
He was turned down because the neighbors claimed his house wasn't zoned for business use.

Next, you BETTER have insurance.
Do nothing more than a polish job on someone's gun and if he has any kind of problem at all, even if he shoots himself in the foot, guess who gets sued?
You.

Not to rain on your parade, but things have radically changed over the years and today, you have to meet all the requirements, or you're committing a Federal felony crime.
The days when you could do stock work, re-bluing, or gun polishing without literally making it a Federal case are over.

Besides the legal requirements, polishing guns is not easy money. If you don't do a perfectly even finish with no rouned corners, dished holes, or pulled lettering, customers will be very unhappy. In the old days, S&W would require an apprentice in the metal finishing dept. to have 10 years of experience before he could make journeyman polisher. This was along with the best available polishing equipment and custom made wheels matched to every shape needed. In other words, you need exceptional skill and a substantial investment in good equipment. Is that you?

WOB