A Question For FFL Holders.

[PA Reb]

I've been entertaining the thought of attempting to secure a Class 1 FFL for quite some time now. I have read its possible to be granted such a license even if you don't have a so called "store front" (operate out of a home and / or internet) - is it possible? I've also seen programs for sale to guarantee a successful application and interview. Are they needed and worth the cost?

 

[machz1]

I've been entertaining the thought of attempting to secure a Class 1 FFL for quite some time now. I have read its possible to be granted such a license even if you don't have a so called "store front" (operate out of a home and / or internet) - is it possible? I've also seen programs for sale to guarantee a successful application and interview. Are they needed and worth the cost?

i talked with a freind of mine who just opened up his own gun shop and he told me the ATF is not allowing FFLs that arent associated with an actual gunshop any more. not sure if its true or in affect yet or not.

 

[Gunslinger808]

BATFE cannot deny you an FFL for lack of a "storefront".
What they do is check local ordinances and zoning and can deny you on the grounds that your domicile is not zoned for commercial.
You can generally get away with it if you live in an unincorporated area.
I used to have a storefront for 5 years, but now I just run my 01 FFL/03 SOT out of the house.
Best bet is to check your local regulations then go from there.
"programs for sale to guarantee a successful application " are a gimmick, if you do a little research you can do it all yourself, it's really not that difficult.
All the forms and directions you need can be found on the ATF website.

Edited as my spelling is the sux

 

[2152hq]

808 is correct. The catch is the local zoning laws. That provision went into the FFL licensing process in '86 I believe under the Clinton attempt to do away with thousands of 'kitchen table dealers' as they called them.

If your local city/town/village zoning laws do not allow a 'business' at your address, the FFL license appl will be denied.
Some areas allow it,,some allow only with a zoning variance which you would then have to petition the locality for.
Some do not allow a business in a residential home.
An 01FFL is a business. You'll need tax licenses(if applicable), any State & Local firearms and business licenses (DBA) also.

Check with the Building Dept/Zoning & Code for your locality and see if specificly a 'firearms related' business would be allowed.
Be specific about the business. A town locally allows lawyers, coin dealers, accountants,,but not firearms related business out of private homes.

You may be required to up insurance coverage, place specific entryways for customers, parking, lighting, signage, etc.
You may be required to do none of the above.

Each locality is different.

 

[NKJ nut]

If you are wanting to run your business out of your house you can if the zoning laws do not prevent it. You can not get a license solely for doing internet sales and gun shows. on your application you will have to list business hours also though you don't have to post them on the front door of your house. ATF will not issue a license if your sole intent is to buy firearms for yourself. If you operate out of your house you will need to keep your personal firearms separate from the ones for sale. Otherwise the ? ATF inspector who comes by to check your records wont know which are which. Firearms on the premises that you have for sale or that you are doing a transfer for someone else must be logged into your A&D book. Other firearms not on the A&D could be assumed by ATF to be violations of the record keeping requirement of GCA 68 unless they are separated from your business inventory. Brownells sells tags marked PERSONAL FIREARM NOT FOR SALE that are very good. i've got one on the shotgun I keep handy for defense in my store. i've also know dealers who kept personal firearms in a safe on the premises with a list of those firearms. however you go about doing it keep personal firearms and business inventory separate.

 

[trauma1]

My recent searches support the last 2-3 posts. On the FFL application it even states if you plan to only do gun shows or internet sales then your application will more than likely be denied! 85+ % of new FFL applications are denied for this reason. Not a real cheap way to get a NO if you ask me. In addition, if the guy selling the "guaranteed" home based ffl kit was making that much money why is he selling a "guarenteed" kit? ( I looked into these ALOT and it is a HUGE gimmick. Good way for him to make 29.95 or whatever it is). Sounds along the same lines of the "wealth without risk" gimmicks @ 4am - I work nights so I see them all. Also, do you really want the ATF to have the authority to come pounding on you front door at any time they want? Especially givent their recent debacles! Starting a Gun business is expensive ($50,000 - $100,000 initially), challenging and frustrating at best. You have to have a business plan, a market area in mind, take in to account your competition in a given area, be very Customer Service focused and adaptable to the current market!(CCW type guns right now, next year who knows?) Also, It cannot be your personal hobby shop or collection enhancer. You have to make money or you will Sink like the Titanic, no questions asked. Getting an FFL is not like getting your drivers liscense. There are ALOT of very specific, very stringent and ver NON-FLEXIBLE rules that must be applied to. Think long and hard before you submit your family to Federal scrutiny! The saying " I love my Country but fear my government" definetly applies hear.

 

[retarmyaviator]

I have had an FFL for the past 30 years. Currently operating out of a building on my property separate from my home.

Obtaining an FFL is the not "trauma" or drama some make it out to be. Contact your local ATF office for your questions. Check the zoning laws in your area and if no problem exists there fill out the ATF form and wait to see what happens. At that point the worse they can do is say no.

You only have to be in business, your firearms sales do not have to be the only sales you have. A local paint store in my area is also a FFL. You are not even required by ATF to show a profit, only be in business.

Get a copy of the application it will answer many of your questions.