Questions about FFL

[Spectre1995]

Hello all,

I had some questions about requirements for FFL's, and questions about gunsmithing that pertain to having an FFL.

First off, is it at all possible for anyone under the age of 21 to obtain an FFL? I was considering getting an 03 (C&R), because I am an avid collector of surplus rifles. Do I need to be 21 for this, or is it possible to get one under 21?

Second off, I recently completed a basic gunsmithing program through Ashworth College, and I am learning the ropes of gunsmithing from a retired gunsmith on my own firearms, but what if a friend comes up to me needing work done? I've heard that without an FFL I cannot keep firearms overnight, but if I travel to their home and do the work they need without ever taking possession of the firearm, is that legal? For instance, if a friend wants some bluing work done, if I take my bluing supplies and do the work for them right there at their place while they watch, would I be breaking the law?

And finally, is an FFL needed to work on antique guns? I have a few friends that have antiques and black powder guns that are in need of servicing. If they give those to me to fix, would I still need an 01, or is it because they are not firearms to begin with, they are legal to take possession of to work on?

Thank you in advance.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

...First off, is it at all possible for anyone under the age of 21 to obtain an FFL? I was considering getting an 03 (C&R), because I am an avid collector of surplus rifles. Do I need to be 21 for this, or is it possible to get one under 21?

You must be at least 21 years old to get any type of FFL.

...what if a friend comes up to me needing work done? I've heard that without an FFL I cannot keep firearms overnight, but if I travel to their home and do the work they need without ever taking possession of the firearm, is that legal? For instance, if a friend wants some bluing work done, if I take my bluing supplies and do the work for them right there at their place while they watch, would I be breaking the law?

Without an FFL you can't engage in the business of working on other people's firearms. Occasionally helping a friend would probably be fine, but if you are charging money for your services then you could run into problems since ATF has never clearly defined what "engaged in the business" means. If both parties are California residents then California law allows the loan of a firearm for 30 days or less without going through an FFL as long as the receiving party has a firearm safety certificate and both parties are "personally known to each other".

And finally, is an FFL needed to work on antique guns? I have a few friends that have antiques and black powder guns that are in need of servicing. If they give those to me to fix, would I still need an 01, or is it because they are not firearms to begin with, they are legal to take possession of to work on?

No FFL is needed to work on "antique" firearms.

You really need to consider the personal liability aspects of working on other people's firearms. If a firearm you worked on blows up in somebody's face you could be financially ruined, even if it wasn't your fault.