Anyone ever wonder about getting an FFL?

[Good_Steward]

Mods, sorry if this is in the wrong spot. Please feel free to move if needed.

Now, I ran into a guy at the range Saturday whom I had met at Darr's in Red Bank a few years ago. Stand up kind of guy. Anyway, he told me that he and a friend had considered trying to reopen a shop where Darr's used to be, but backing and such had fallen through. Anyway, that made me start wondering about the application process for an FFL, and if it would be something that would be worth trying. Not saying that I have the financial backing to open a shop right off the bat, but maybe something to start receiving firearms for local Chattanooga, where our only real choices are Carter's and Carl's shops, then maybe working into a full time shop. Has anyone else contemplated this?

FFL holders, how big of a pain in the ass is an undertaking like this?

Edited June 30, 2009 by Good_Steward

[Motasyco]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

What he said. Just in a different place.

[Guest JHatmaker]

ATF Online

[Good_Steward]

Yeah, J, I have already looked at it. You have to call and have them mail you the form. Just curious if it would be worth it. I think we all dream of having a gun shop. Maybe just a pipe dream, but I think it would do well in Chattanooga.

[Guest Traumaslave]

It really isn't a difficult process at all. The worst for me was the interview and inspection. 2 of the ATF's finest showed up at my door and spent about 2.5 hrs with me. They questioned my intent of use, knowledge of the system, and my security for said business. They then inspected my "office". Too many people think you can't get one unless you have a store front.

[Good_Steward]

Trauma, I did think you have to have some sort of shop. Is that not so? Because, honestly, it would have saved me more than the $200 i have paid just to have someone receive the guns my father in law and I have bought over the last few years.

Edited July 1, 2009 by Good_Steward

[Guest Traumaslave]

My "shop" is my basement. I had to provide the ATF with "hours or opperation" and show secure storage. My desk was set up (and clean) with a computer and phone and my 2 safes were in place. They will tell you that it is not to be used to enhance your private collection, but a few are OK.

[Good_Steward]

Fantastic, Trauma. You mind if I hit you up with more questions when I have 'em? I just ordered the application packets from the ATF, so I'm sure I'll end up with more questions.

[Guest Traumaslave]

Fantastic, Trauma. You mind if I hit you up with more questions when I have 'em? I just ordered the application packets from the ATF, so I'm sure I'll end up with more questions.

Not a problem.

[Guest abailey362]

good luck with the venture.

but don't forget skip's in ooltewah for transfers for the time being....hell of a lot better than giving the other two mentioned above any of your money

[Good_Steward]

Update of a month old thread. I finally received my application packet in the mail! I believe this will be the start of a long drawn out process.

[Mike.357]

[Guest Jamie]

FFL holders, how big of a pain in the ass is an undertaking like this?

Had one, back some 14 years ago or so... It wasn't too bad 'til some of the rules changed in '93, thanks to Bill Clinton and company, and all that mess with the gun ban. After that, it really just wasn't worth the bother for me.

What's the cost now? At the time, I was paying something like $5 per year. What I remember was that it was supposed to be going up to $200 or $300 per year. Hardly worth it without a store front, IMO.

[Good_Steward]

Jamie, it's $200 for the first 3 years. It may not be worth it to you, but I may end up working into a store. If not, I have $200 in disposable cash, anyway.

[Guest Jamie]

Jamie, it's $200 for the first 3 years. It may not be worth it to you, but I may end up working into a store. If not, I have $200 in disposable cash, anyway.

I also ended up having to go before the county commission and get my property re-classified, and had to get both a business license and a tax number. And that was WITHOUT having a store front/shop.

So keep in mind the FFL will probably only be the beginning of it.

The most aggravating part of the whole deal was remembering to fill out the sales tax crap every month, for the state and county... Had to do it whether I sold anything or not.

Might not work out that way for you, but I figure you're better off with a "heads up" on what to possibly expect.