collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: Should I get an FFL?  (Read 7545 times)

Offline pianoman9701

  • Mushroom Man
  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 44795
  • Location: Vancouver USA
  • WWC, NRA Life, WFW, NAGR, RMEF, WSB, NMLS #2014743
    • www.facebook.com/johnwallacemortgage
    • John Wallace Mortgage
Should I get an FFL?
« on: June 02, 2015, 12:58:04 PM »
Does an FFL get me dealer pricing on guns, parts, and ammo, necessarily? I was thinking that if I got the FFL, I could do transfers for friends and save money on gun stuff. What are the benefits and drawbacks of getting the license?
"Restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens based on the actions of criminals and madmen will have no positive effect on the future acts of criminals and madmen. It will only serve to reduce individual rights and the very security of our republic." - Pianoman https://linktr.ee/johnlwallace https://valoaneducator.tv/johnwallace-2014743

Offline bearpaw

  • Family, Friends, Outdoors
  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+10)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 38512
  • Location: Idaho<->Colville
  • "Rather Be Cougar Huntin"
    • http://www.facebook.com/DaleDenney
    • Bearpaw Outfitters
  • Groups: NRA, SCI, F4WM, NWTF, IOGA, MOGA, CCOC, BBB, RMEF, WSTA, WSB
Re: Should I get an FFL?
« Reply #1 on: June 02, 2015, 01:01:28 PM »
The biggest drawback I've heard is the paperwork and dealing with the feds.
Americans are systematically advocating, legislating, and voting away each others rights. Support all user groups & quit losing opportunity!

http://bearpawoutfitters.com Guided Hunts, Unguided, & Drop Camps in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wash. Hunts with tags available (no draw needed) for spring bear, fall bear, bison, cougar, elk, mule deer, turkey, whitetail, & wolf! http://trophymaps.com DIY Hunting Maps are also offered

Offline Fl0und3rz

  • Forum Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+7)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 51553
  • Location: E. WA
Re: Should I get an FFL?
« Reply #2 on: June 02, 2015, 01:02:15 PM »
Does an FFL get me dealer pricing on guns, parts, and ammo, necessarily? I was thinking that if I got the FFL, I could do transfers for friends and save money on gun stuff. What are the benefits and drawbacks of getting the license?

Drawbacks: Record keeping, ATF up in your biz.

Offline Special T

  • Truth the new Hate Speech.
  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+13)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2009
  • Posts: 25038
  • Location: Skagit Valley
  • Make it Rain!
    • Silver Arrow Bowmen
    • Silver Arrow Bowmen
Re: Should I get an FFL?
« Reply #3 on: June 02, 2015, 01:05:07 PM »
You really dont want one. they have 24 hr 365 acess for un announced inspections. What ever $ you think you would make goes WAY to far in allowing Gov intrusion into your life. If you just shop many of the sales you can find nearly as good a deal and save your privacy.
In archery we have something like the way of the superior man. When the archer misses the center of the target, he turns round and seeks for the cause of his failure in himself. 

Confucius

Offline Encore 280

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+11)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2011
  • Posts: 1993
  • Location: Poulsbo
  • Groups: Encore 280
Re: Should I get an FFL?
« Reply #4 on: June 02, 2015, 01:06:25 PM »
I had one back in the 80's so I could work on guns and buy and sell. At the time the license was $50 I think and then you have to keep records of guns acquired, worked on and bought and sold. It was nice being able to buy from Brownell's at a discount and buying firearms wholesale too. I wasn't in the best location to run a business so it was just out of my garage. Finally gave it up when the price of the license went up and I changed locations. Not sure if you'd have to have a business license also. Maybe someone else on here can give you some better info.

Offline JimmyHoffa

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Sep 2010
  • Posts: 14546
  • Location: 150 Years Too Late
Re: Should I get an FFL?
« Reply #5 on: June 02, 2015, 01:10:30 PM »
I think ATF wants it to be a business venture to issue FFLs.  They can come do surprise inspections for your books/forms/inventory if I remember correctly.  A buddy was looking into getting one for buying/selling on gunbroker and cutting costs for friends, but they wanted him to set up as a business with license or somewhat.  Turned out to be more hassle than he wanted to deal with.  Mostly interested in the taxes associated/generated from it.

Offline pianoman9701

  • Mushroom Man
  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 44795
  • Location: Vancouver USA
  • WWC, NRA Life, WFW, NAGR, RMEF, WSB, NMLS #2014743
    • www.facebook.com/johnwallacemortgage
    • John Wallace Mortgage
Re: Should I get an FFL?
« Reply #6 on: June 02, 2015, 01:14:38 PM »
I didn't know about the 24/365 inspections. It does sound like a lot of run around just to save a few bucks. Any positives anyone?
"Restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens based on the actions of criminals and madmen will have no positive effect on the future acts of criminals and madmen. It will only serve to reduce individual rights and the very security of our republic." - Pianoman https://linktr.ee/johnlwallace https://valoaneducator.tv/johnwallace-2014743

Offline Special T

  • Truth the new Hate Speech.
  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+13)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2009
  • Posts: 25038
  • Location: Skagit Valley
  • Make it Rain!
    • Silver Arrow Bowmen
    • Silver Arrow Bowmen
Re: Should I get an FFL?
« Reply #7 on: June 02, 2015, 01:15:17 PM »
I would also add that YOU are responcible for allthe info and if/ when you stop your ATF compliance then the records go to the feds. I know a couple of people with them who are small time. Not only have they recieved ATF BS but they are on the County radar as well and have been hastled about selling out of thier homes. One of which I asked if he was going to start selling Cans. He said that if he were to do it over again he would try and find a way to do his business without getting  a FFL, which may or may not have been possible. He decided not to get into selling cans because of the extra hastle he knew he would recive for the marginal increase in $. Since you are business minded I think you should look into what things products you CAN purchase/resell without an FFL and stongly consider just that.

A customer of mine recently sold off his Firearms and acessory business. (perfectly timed, he sold right at the peak) Now is not the time to get into the business since there are so many great deals out there from the manufacturers trying to stay afloat. If you had space and $ to park for an extended period it may not be a bad investment... For example I recently purchased 250 rounds of estate buckshot from midway It was $90delivered to my door. or about $9 bucks a box of 25, best i had seen ANYWHERE was about $14 one box at a time on sale, normal about $20
In archery we have something like the way of the superior man. When the archer misses the center of the target, he turns round and seeks for the cause of his failure in himself. 

Confucius

Offline Bill W

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Sep 2013
  • Posts: 1942
  • Location: Moses Lake
  • Groups: NRA, CBA
Re: Should I get an FFL?
« Reply #8 on: June 02, 2015, 01:17:43 PM »
Here's how the rules once read back when I had an FFL.   

If you list your hours as "by appointment" the ATF can call for an inspection at any time.   If you list hours, say Tuesday 2:00-4:00PM and nothing else then ATF can only inspect during those hours.   I used to live in Kirkland and gave it up once the local police started getting too nosy.

Other than that I had it for about 20-25 years and never had an inspection.

Offline Special T

  • Truth the new Hate Speech.
  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+13)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2009
  • Posts: 25038
  • Location: Skagit Valley
  • Make it Rain!
    • Silver Arrow Bowmen
    • Silver Arrow Bowmen
Re: Should I get an FFL?
« Reply #9 on: June 02, 2015, 01:53:18 PM »
In archery we have something like the way of the superior man. When the archer misses the center of the target, he turns round and seeks for the cause of his failure in himself. 

Confucius

Offline Fl0und3rz

  • Forum Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+7)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 51553
  • Location: E. WA
Re: Should I get an FFL?
« Reply #10 on: June 02, 2015, 01:55:24 PM »
you can buy and sell ammo with no Lic

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/license-required-engage-business-selling-small-arms-ammunition

I assumed the purpose was primarily savings and to ease I594 burdens. But that is a lot of trouble for a little savings and favors for your friends.  If I did it, it would be for a business purpose.

Offline Firedogg

  • Past Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2014
  • Posts: 987
  • Location: Eatonville
Re: Should I get an FFL?
« Reply #11 on: June 02, 2015, 01:57:54 PM »
 It was a pain when I had mine following the feds regs, state business laws and paying out more in taxes on the small amounts I was making.

  Although I did not run the business out of my house, instead specifically noted the shop behind the house as the place of doing buisness. Got it it's own POB and for Ups/FedEx deliveres it was listed as the address with a "B" to show on everything it was the shop, not the house. Never had any issues with it. I let it go, the things I was doing with it were not meeting the goals I had set out to do.
There is no greater respect to have for wildlife than to harvest an animal fairly and use it's flesh to feed your family.  ~me

Offline Jingles

  • WA State Trappers Association
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 3868
  • Location: Methow Valley 98862
Re: Should I get an FFL?
« Reply #12 on: June 02, 2015, 02:18:28 PM »
Other than buying firearms directly from a manufacturer what advantage do you expect to get that you don't have already? you want to purchase a gun purchase one.  Have recently purchased 2 myself one rifle and one pistol and sure as hell didn't worry about 594 or even buying in state. F Washington or even the fed registration
HMC/USN/RET
1969 -1990
The comments of this poster do not reflect the opinions of HUNTWA Administrators or Moderators unless they so state.

The duty of a Patriot is to protect his country from it's government

Offline HighCountryHunter88

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Feb 2010
  • Posts: 1211
  • Location: GRAHAM
Re: Should I get an FFL?
« Reply #13 on: June 02, 2015, 02:48:06 PM »
i just recently took a serious look at doing this as well. i decided it wasn't worth it once you consider what you will be saving vs expenses, business licenses, insurance ect. also if you can get a local permit due to zoning issues with having a at home ffl
-Matt

Offline pianoman9701

  • Mushroom Man
  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 44795
  • Location: Vancouver USA
  • WWC, NRA Life, WFW, NAGR, RMEF, WSB, NMLS #2014743
    • www.facebook.com/johnwallacemortgage
    • John Wallace Mortgage
Re: Should I get an FFL?
« Reply #14 on: June 02, 2015, 03:11:13 PM »
Other than buying firearms directly from a manufacturer what advantage do you expect to get that you don't have already? you want to purchase a gun purchase one.  Have recently purchased 2 myself one rifle and one pistol and sure as hell didn't worry about 594 or even buying in state. F Washington or even the fed registration

I was thinking that doing transfers for friends and fellow HuntWA members would be useful, too.  :dunno:
"Restricting the rights of law-abiding citizens based on the actions of criminals and madmen will have no positive effect on the future acts of criminals and madmen. It will only serve to reduce individual rights and the very security of our republic." - Pianoman https://linktr.ee/johnlwallace https://valoaneducator.tv/johnwallace-2014743

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

Tree stand for Western Washingtn by Huntnfolk
[Today at 08:05:39 AM]


Range finders & Angle Compensation by DaNewb
[Today at 08:04:21 AM]


KODIAK06 2025 trail cam and personal pics thread by Boss .300 winmag
[Today at 07:53:52 AM]


Pocket Carry by JimmyHoffa
[Today at 07:49:09 AM]


Yard bucks by Boss .300 winmag
[Yesterday at 11:20:39 PM]


Yard babies by Feathernfurr
[Yesterday at 10:04:54 PM]


Seeking recommendations on a new scope by coachg
[Yesterday at 08:10:21 PM]


Sauk Unit Youth Elk Tips by high_hunter
[Yesterday at 08:06:05 PM]


Jupiter Mountain Rayonier Permit- 621 Bull Tag by HntnFsh
[Yesterday at 07:58:22 PM]


MOVED: Seekins Element 7PRC for sale by Bob33
[Yesterday at 06:57:10 PM]


3 pintails by metlhead
[Yesterday at 04:44:03 PM]


1993 Merc issues getting up on plane by Happy Gilmore
[Yesterday at 04:37:55 PM]


A lonely Job... by AL WORRELLS KID
[Yesterday at 03:21:14 PM]


Unit 364 Archery Tag by buglebuster
[Yesterday at 12:16:59 PM]


In the background by zwickeyman
[Yesterday at 12:10:13 PM]


A. Cole Lockback in AEB-L and Micarta by A. Cole
[Yesterday at 09:15:34 AM]


Willapa Hills 1 Bear by hunter399
[Yesterday at 08:24:48 AM]


Bearpaw Outfitters Annual July 4th Hunt Sale by Threewolves
[Yesterday at 06:35:57 AM]


Sockeye Numbers by Southpole
[July 03, 2025, 09:02:04 PM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal