Permits Required for Basic Gunsmithing?

[The Sauce]

I've had a few people offering to pay me to convert their Saigas. I could use a little extra cash, so I'm considering it. Question is do I need any special permits to do these conversions? I know shops need a manufacturing permit or something to build ARs and stuff...does this apply to doing Saiga conversions, too?

[Robidouxs]

I've had a few people offering to pay me to convert their Saigas. I could use a little extra cash, so I'm considering it. Question is do I need any special permits to do these conversions? I know shops need a manufacturing permit or something to build ARs and stuff...does this apply to doing Saiga conversions, too?

Anything other than you working on your personal guns constitutes a FFL. In this case an FFL 01 (Gunsmith) or FFL 07.

[SJgunguy24]

Yes and no. If they leave a gun with you then yes. If they stay there the entire time then no.

[Roccobro]

I feel the same as Nico. I'd rather show someone how to do it than try to keep the art a secret. One at a time if the person can swing it.

Check out how Randall (AR15barrels) does his work. Make an appointment and he'll do it as you wait. Added benefit is eliminating the wait for a 'Smith to get around to your work.

When you do decide to go all out on an FFL, then your prices will go up accordingly. A storefront, insurance, and all the dang fees will eat into your profit and desire to make a living out of it.

Justin

[nicoroshi]

Anything other than you working on your personal guns constitutes a FFL. In this case an FFL 02 (Gunsmith) or FFL 07.

I would have to disagree with this to an extent.
According to your statement I cannot re-finish your rifle's furniture for you unless I have a 002 FFL. I cannot weld you up an extended muzzle device that you will attach to your barrel without a 002 FFL, and I am guessing that I cannot produce a piece of wood, and attach it to a thumbhole stock to make it featureless without a 002 FFL.


........ I believe that there are exceptions that qualify as 'gunsmithing' functions that do not require any kind of a license.

Now working on a receiver is something I believe falls under the 'need to have a license' heading if it does not belong to you.
For myself I think I'll stick to just watching over someone's shoulder as they do the work, and offering suggestions/ tutoring as they do the work.
No issues that way as the final result was built by it's owner.

[SJgunguy24]

I feel the same as Nico. I'd rather show someone how to do it than try to keep the art a secret. One at a time if the person can swing it.

Check out how Randall (AR15barrels) does his work. Make an appointment and he'll do it as you wait. Added benefit is eliminating the wait for a 'Smith to get around to your work.

When you do decide to go all out on an FFL, then your prices will go up accordingly. A storefront, insurance, and all the dang fees will eat into your profit and desire to make a living out of it.

Justin

This, you'll also have to include possible DOJ harassment, inspections for fire codes/ sprinklers. Some of the chemicals used may bring in haz mat issues and OSHA might want to take a peak if you have employees. CA is not business freindly at al.

[Gunsmithing]

FYI 02 Pawnbroker in Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices

1 Dealer in Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices (Includes Gunsmiths)
02 Pawnbroker in Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices
03 Collector of Curios and Relics
06 Manufacturer of Ammunition for Firearms
07 Manufacturer of Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices
08 Importer of Firearms Other Than Destructive Devices
09 Dealer in Destructive Devices
10 Manufacturer of Destructive Devices
11 Importer of Destructive Devices

It take in CA over 5 Lic and the cost for all the Lic is over $600.00 and 6 months

Note there are new taxs to pay with a 07


Dave

Anything other than you working on your personal guns constitutes a FFL. In this case an FFL 02 (Gunsmith) or FFL 07.

[Robidouxs]

I thought an 02 was a gunsmith. I was wrong, it is an 01.

[motorhead]

best to "help" then convert their own.

[Gunsmithing]

For a gunsmith it is 01 or 07 (Dealer in Firearms or Manufacturer)
The State of CA has one for gunsmith's also if you work on or sell assault weapons, large capacity magazines and .50 bmg rifles need in CA add $300.00 for this Lic.

Dave

I thought an 02 was a gunsmith. I was wrong, it is an 01.

[The Sauce]

Well...there goes that idea. Thanks, everyone.

[Goldseeker]

Modern f$%^() government would have hounded John Browning out of business.

The lost or delayed inventions, improvements, etc of all types that result from CA's insane over-regulation and over-taxation are a cost that we can't afford.

[G-forceJunkie]

A better question is do you have a buisness licence and the liability insurance, and willing to take on those responsabilitys.

[The Sauce]

A better question is do you have a buisness licence and the liability insurance, and willing to take on those responsabilitys.

I fail to see exactly what makes this question better than mine.

[G-forceJunkie]

Let me rephrase that...can you afford the lawsuit if a gun you convert blows up and injures someone? Will your city/county be good with you doing work for hire without a business licence? How is the income going to be taxed? I'm just throwing out question that will pertain to you if you start doing work for other people for compensation. Best of luck on your endevors.