FFL Operations?

[Fergie]

When I walk into a gun shop and want to buy a new gun not currently in the shop, what is the procedure FFLs will take to get the gun for me? Can they check manufacturer inventory? Order the gun from the manufacturer? Do they look online to see where they can buy it from another online store?

Why do they often say things like.." check back in in 2 weeks." Why can't they just order the gun from the manufacturer and then tell me when t gets there?

I was just looking for some behind the scenes insight to the FFL world.

For bonus points...

How do FFLs without a shop work? People running them from a house or apartment. Do they have people over? Make appointments for home visits at the client's home? Or is it simply the customer buys online and using the FFL number for delivery and pickup, then the FFL receives and delivers the gun?

Any other points of interest you want to throw in are welcome!

[Quiet]

How it normally works:
1. Manufacturer advertises firearms.
2. Distributor buys a bulk order of firearms from the manufacturer.
3. Manufacturer then makes enough firearms for that bulk order and ships it to the distributor.
4. Distributor then sells to individual dealers.

If your dealer does not have firearm in stock, then he orders from his distributor.
If the distributor has in stock, then he ships it to the dealer.
If the distributor does not have in stock, then everyone waits until the manufacturer sends another bulk shipment to the distributor.

[aca72]

Your LGS goes through their firearms wholesale distributors...

http://www.gunnersden.com/index.htm.gun-dealers-distributors.html

[audiophil2]

There is a bit more to it than described above. I won't go into detail because it there is a lot of info.

Some manufacturers do not sell to distributors. Some make a dealer buy a bunch of guns and keep them on display. kimber, Benelli, Vortex, Colt, and a few others all want their own counter space with good displays and make you buy a bunch of guns no one wants just so you can buy the good ones. I won't do it so I don't sell those lines.

Other manufacturers are really good with pricing so it is sometimes better to buy direct than from a distributor.

Some FFLs do enough volume to get distributor pricing from manufacturers.


I tell my customers I will never call them when a gun is in stock unless there are so many of that same model that distributors are begging me to buy them at a discount. When you put zero money into getting a gun you get zero effort from an FFL getting that gun for you. I used to take names and put people on a list. It involved a lot of time and when a gun finally came in and I called the customer he already bought elsewhere. It is a waste. If a gun is out of stock that usually means a lot of other guys want that same gun. Guess who gets the gun when it is in stock again? The guy that pre-paid for it. I've had guys tell me they want gun X and to let them know when I have it. I could get gun X 10 different times but it always sells to the guy that paid. Eventually the guy that never put money down figures out he will never get the gun unless he pays. He pre-pays and gets it when it is his turn. I've had guys pre-pay and wait 18 months for a gun without ever asking for an eta. They know some guns are just hard to get.

[Librarian]

How do FFLs without a shop work?

People running them from a house or apartment. Do they have people over? Make appointments for home visits at the client's home? Or is it simply the customer buys online and using the FFL number for delivery and pickup, then the FFL receives and delivers the gun?

The one I have used has people come to his house.

Before having a gun sent, he needs to be asked; if he agrees, he will receive the gun from wherever shipped and tell you when it arrives.

Then it's usual paperwork, DROS, taxes, 10-day wait.

[Fergie]

Thanks for the replies... would love to hear the long version of details sometime.

So manufacturers sell to distributors and to LGS directly. Most deals are bulk deals.

If I want my small LGS to find me a gun that is in short supply, I should pre-pay and be patient.

How bad is the paperwork as a at home FFL? Does the BATF give you the ability to run background checks via a website or something?

[JCMILLER]

FFL Operations?

Dealers don't normally buy direct from the manufacture in most instances. They buy from wholesalers. The shop I work in will order anything they can get. Usually they try and combine orders so shipping is a bit less but usually within a week your gun will show up is its available.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ugimports]

Thanks for the replies... would love to hear the long version of details sometime.

So manufacturers sell to distributors and to LGS directly. Most deals are bulk deals.

If I want my small LGS to find me a gun that is in short supply, I should pre-pay and be patient.

How bad is the paperwork as a at home FFL? Does the BATF give you the ability to run background checks via a website or something?

Federal/State paperwork is all the same regardless of location (home/retail store). Store policy paperwork could be significantly different though.

[Fergie]

This might be more of a new thread question, but are there any gun related small business ideas that are not gun shops, gun ranges, gun smiths or antique dealers?

I would like to get a small side business going in a gun related field - but I am not a gun professional. I am considering an FFL for the local neighborhood.

[Librarian]

This might be more of a new thread question, but are there any gun related small business ideas that are not gun shops, gun ranges, gun smiths or antique dealers?

I would like to get a small side business going in a gun related field - but I am not a gun professional. I am considering an FFL for the local neighborhood.

Start here: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=384995

Depending on your location, that goal may be impossible or merely tediously difficult.

[ugimports]

This might be more of a new thread question, but are there any gun related small business ideas that are not gun shops, gun ranges, gun smiths or antique dealers?

I would like to get a small side business going in a gun related field - but I am not a gun professional. I am considering an FFL for the local neighborhood.

There are gun accessories (all non-firearm parts), people that specialize specifically in holsters or training. None of which requires an FFL.

You could also specialize in security products (safes) and that wouldn't require an FFL either.

The moment you consider being an "FFL" you are in the business of whatever license you get (set aside the FFL03). Not sure why would want to hassle with getting an FFL if not being a local transfer dealer (gun shop) or gunsmith.

[71MUSTY]

How it normally works:
1. Manufacturer advertises firearms.
2. Distributor buys a bulk order of firearms from the manufacturer.
3. Manufacturer then makes enough firearms for that bulk order and ships it to the distributor.
4. Distributor then sells to individual dealers.

If your dealer does not have firearm in stock, then he orders from his distributor.
If the distributor has in stock, then he ships it to the dealer.
If the distributor does not have in stock, then everyone waits until the manufacturer sends another bulk shipment to the distributor.

Or your FFl checks his second distributor. It's a lot like when you go to the Auto Parts store and they say let me see if they have it in the warehouse.

If a FFL says check back in 2 weeks he either has some back ordered and is hoping they come in OR he is likely blowing you off.

[kendog4570]

...For bonus points...

How do FFLs without a shop work? People running them from a house or apartment. Do they have people over? Make appointments for home visits at the client's home?....

As a rule the FFL must conduct all of the business from the address on the license. There are a few exceptions, like at organized gun shows or sanctioned shooting events, DU/Safari Club/NRA dinners, etc. House calls are out.

[diverwcw]

Part time

I tell my customers I will never call them when a gun is in stock unless there are so many of that same model that distributors are begging me to buy them at a discount. When you put zero money into getting a gun you get zero effort from an FFL getting that gun for you. I used to take names and put people on a list. It involved a lot of time and when a gun finally came in and I called the customer he already bought elsewhere. It is a waste. If a gun is out of stock that usually means a lot of other guys want that same gun. Guess who gets the gun when it is in stock again? The guy that pre-paid for it. I've had guys tell me they want gun X and to let them know when I have it. I could get gun X 10 different times but it always sells to the guy that paid. Eventually the guy that never put money down figures out he will never get the gun unless he pays. He pre-pays and gets it when it is his turn. I've had guys pre-pay and wait 18 months for a gun without ever asking for an eta. They know some guns are just hard to get.

I worked part time at a LGS and this is very common. You would not believe how angry some people get when you tell them you are not going to put them on a waiting list unless they pay in advance.

[David-K]

First off, I NEVER pay for a firearm in full when it has to be ordered. I put down a deposit only and I get a finite timeframe that I should expect to receive it. Too many times I've paid up front if for no other reason than to show I'm serious, only to get the run around week after week, month after month, excuse after excuse. For some of these clowns that operate, once you've paid in full their motivation goes out the window. Convenient, considering they have your money.