Getting an FFL

[SoCalAR]

Does anyone have any suggestions with respect to getting a Type 1 FFL?

From what I see as far as prices online I could easily pay for the BATF fee as well as a local business license with the money I save on ordering my own OLLs.

I have a business location available to me and I have confirmed that a firearms dealer is ok as far as zoning goes. In addition to getting my own stuff sent directly to me I would probably be available to transfer for a small fee to help keep BATF off my tail about 'making a profit.'

Anyone have their own FFL for similar reasons and if so, got any pointers?

Thanks!

[Franksremote]

It states pretty specifically that the FFL is issued to those engaging in a business, not personal collecting. Make sure that's your plan.

[FortCourageArmory]

Like Franksremote said already, you need to be in the busines of dealing firearms "for profit". That's the key phrase.... For Profit. That means you'll need a storefront. BATF will not issue an 01 FFL to deal out of a private residence unless you are sufficiently out in the boonies. In So Cal, that's effectively nowhere. BATF will come to your business location and do a site inspection. This gets to the next step. Local laws relating to selling of firearms. You'll need to insure that your location is zoned for retail sales of firearms. That probably means a trip to City Hall. Then plan on another to the local police department. Hopefully you are located in a city or county that is firearms-friendly. Just a short note....that NOT Los Angeles County!! After that there are the permits. At last count I had to apply for 6 different permits or licenses to deal in guns. In no particular order:

CA Certificate of Eligibility
CA Certified Dealer Listing
CIty Retail Firearms Permit
CA Second-Hand Dealers Permit
CA Resale Permit
Federal FFL

Then there are the optional ones:
Large Capacity Magazine Permit
Assault Weapons License

I'm not trying to put you off from trying to get an FFL. Just the opposite. Just be aware that it's not like getting a driver's license. You're going to have some hoops to jump through.

[Fjold]

Buy a safe.

[SoCalAR]

"It states pretty specifically that the FFL is issued to those engaging in a business, not personal collecting." That's why I plan to do dealer transfers for others to make a a profit to satisfy BATF.

"BATF will not issue an 01 FFL to deal out of a private residence..." Like I mentioned, I have a business location available (with a storefront.)

And FortCourage, since I'm not going to be a stocking dealer, only transfering for other people, would all of those permits be necessary? I've been to City Hall and they have assured me I am zoned for retail as well manufacturing (which I will not be doing.) I will need a city business license most definitely but would I really need any license having to do with retail or second hand sales if I will not be doing any of those?

"Buy a safe." Already done.

And I am NOT in LA county. I wouldn't even think of trying to do this down there.

[PIRATE14]

At last count I had to apply for 6 different permits or licenses to deal in guns. In no particular order:

CA Certificate of Eligibility
CA Certified Dealer Listing
CIty Retail Firearms Permit
CA Second-Hand Dealers Permit
CA Resale Permit
Federal FFL

Then there are the optional ones:
Large Capacity Magazine Permit
Assault Weapons License

I'm not trying to put you off from trying to get an FFL. Just the opposite. Just be aware that it's not like getting a driver's license. You're going to have some hoops to jump through.

You need these to deal in CALI and maybe a permit form the local LE and Fire DEPT......When you get set-up......we'll send you xfers......

[FortCourageArmory]

You need these to deal in CALI and maybe a permit form the local LE and Fire DEPT......When you get set-up......we'll send you xfers......

Forgot about the Fire Dept. permit.....Add that to the list.

SoCalAR,
The types and number of permits or licenses you will need to deal in firearms is dependant to the location of your store. Having all your bases covered before starting the process will greatly reduce the amount of time it will take to get up and running. Getting an FFL is like a multi-layered puzzle. You need certain parts before you can get other parts. It's certainly not impossible (I proved that by getting one myself), but it can be intimidating and more than a little frustrating. Check with your local agencies and then go check with them again. Keep plugging away, you'll get there.

[SoCalAR]

Just the replies you guys have given have been great. I was really in the dark about things especially regarding CA state procedure.

So far I think I'm on the right track.

Thanks guys.