Home based FFL

[Jarhead715]

What are the chances of getting a home based FFL in California? I have a couple of friends in other states that do it for a side business and hobby. Is it worth trying to do in SoCal? Thanks.

[Henry Shooter]

I know of three down south. Two no more than a mile from me.

[Bainter1212]

I am not an FFL but.....I do know that some municipalities are stricter than others.
I used to use a "kitchen table" guy who got inspected by the city regularly....he had to have certain signs prominently displayed, a seperate entrance for his gun business, etc.

The guy I use now is in the unincorporated county. No inspections at all by the county people and doesn't have to do the seperate entrance thing.

[Librarian]

Since you note 'north county SD', the place to start is probably SD County Planning and development - http://www.sandiegocounty.gov/pds/

[dyson]

Talk to your Planning Department to get a sense of what areas in the city its allowed, the type of permitting needed, or if a public hearing is needed. You'll also get a sense of the political climate for it.

[kemasa]

It all depends on where exactly you live, but it is not cheap and you need to learn a lot. As a side business, I doubt that you will make much money. As a hobby, it will take a lot of your time.

Some places it can be easy to get all of the required permits, other places it is impossible.

[ugimports]

And be sure you're in for a lot of reading. It would appear you didn't see these 2 stickies:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=454280

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=384995

Read read read!

[San Jose Gun Trader]

It all depends on where exactly you live, but it is not cheap and you need to learn a lot. As a side business, I doubt that you will make much money. As a hobby, it will take a lot of your time.

Some places it can be easy to get all of the required permits, other places it is impossible.

Basically this.

All depends on zoning. Check with your local planning depth first. ATF will call them first before looking at anything in your packet. We were home based for three years. Came down to it making financial sense to go brick and mortar and hire some help. But, we certainly benefited from establishing ourselves as a home FFL before taking the big plunge.

[acespawnshop]

Is it worth doing? My $.02 if you are doing it because you like guns and think it would be fun to do a few transfers here and there, then go ahead. If you dislike paperwork, red tape, dealing with local, state, and federal agencies of which one dislikes guns and firearms dealers, paying taxes, and keeping detailed records then the gun business may not be for you.

Somebody said it on here once before.... "How do you make a little money in the gun business? Start with a lot of money."