How to start an ammo business in CA?

[tomrkba]

Given the new rules, and my likrly move here, how does one go about starting a business that deals exclusively in ammo?

I am more concerned about the legal process for the purposes of this post.

[therealnickb]

Are you pretty good at grabbing your ankles?

That said, I'd call an attorney located in the area you'll set up shop. There is a lot of bs that's handled on the local level. Rules and regs can vary a lot.

[Full Clip]

Could be a great growth business, or instantly upended by a judge any time after January 1.

[Lead Waster]

I've seen (mostly through this forum) a few people who buy a reloading press suddenly see dollar signs and then find out it's harder than they thought.. BUT those people seem to have poor business sense and are just blinded by the idea that a cartridge that sells for 20 cents they can reload for 10 cents. Then they find out issue with components, shipping, etc, etc.

Not to say that OP can't do it, and I really hope he does and succeeds, as obviously there are successful ammo companies here. But just ... take a look at what it takes. I think guys who start off selling small batches to friends (or forum users) or at gun shows and then ramp up will be more successful than guys that promise crazy low prices then can't deliver on product they haven't got. ie; guys who take payment up front to pay for (leverage) components.

Just some things to think about.

[tomrkba]

I have already looked into the loading business. That will not happen. This will just be a retail store.

[Lead Waster]

I have already looked into the loading business. That will not happen. This will just be a retail store.

Ah, gotcha!

[TexasJackKin]

I think it could be a lot like the aviation business, Want to make a million? Start with two Million, and know when to quit!

Actually wish you the best of luck, but don't have any legitimate advice.

[smoothy8500]

Coming to Calguns you will get some very good advice....mixed in with 982 extremely poor suggestions. Trying to sift out the good ones here is maddening.

[kcstott]

Top of my head

1. FFL for ammunition dealer
2. Local city business license ( not needed if in county jurisdiction
3. County permit
4. Local fire marshal inspection (possibly)
5. State resale permit
6. State BS to do background checks for ammo sales
Then is rent a store front, secure an inventory, get at least twice the level of insurance you think you need.
And you’re in business

[mshill]

This. It may be just as easy to get setup as an FFL and supplement your income with some firearm sales. There is a shop here in the Sacramento area that does this "Ammunition Depot" in Rancho Cordova. It is in a little industrial type warehouse complex just off of Highway 50. If they keep their prices reasonable they will do very well in the next year. It's all about volume.

[jtake]

One problem you might have is limited access to inventory.

A few years back, shops had a difficult time obtaining product, let alone product on any reasonable schedule. Drips and drabs came in. This was particularly true with 22 rimfire, but even other calibers were hard to come by.

Things are better now, but you should educate yourself on how ammo producers distribute their products and how you can obtain product from them or their distributors as you will be beholden to them.

[checkenbach]

One word-Don't...

[JackEllis]

I'm not sure you can make enough money to make the venture worth your while if all you sell is ammo. Some of the posts in this thread may help.

[rm1911]

[Calico1404]

Start a co-op, a store front "warehouse" that accepts out of state shipments. Charge a monthly or quarterly membership fee (ammo transfer fee included)
You wont get rich that is for sure, but you can be in an industry you love and help support the dying sport in California.

Plus one if you sell parts too, not big store fancy parts but standard.
Glock LPK
AR LPK
Small parts
Cleaners
Safety Gear

I feel like a store exists like this but I have not purchased ammo from them in over 3 years due to prices and a sway in business structure.