Can I get a Home Based 01FFL?

[MosinVirus]

Hello all,

Not too long ago I figured out what I want to do with my future. I enjoy working with my hands, and I really enjoy working on firearms.

As I get closer to thinking about buying a house I would like to plan ahead and buy it in a county where I could start a home based business - gunsmithing. That would be the primary activity.

And I have a few questions:

1. Is it still possible to get a home based 01FFL?
2. My understanding is that I should move out of LA County for this. Is this correct?
3. I am currently thinking of moving to Ventura county for a few reasons. How do I research the zoning regulations?
4. Where do I start?

This is very important to me so I appreciate any help or direction I can get.

Thank you all in advance.

[Helpful_Cub]

Gunsmith is a code 07FFL and should be easier to get in California. For an 01FFL you'll need a business license from CA which is costly and they will want a physical location for your business. There's more regs to it, but 07 is the way to go if you want to be a hobby smith.

[shootsocal_dave]

Gunsmith is a code 07FFL and should be easier to get in California. For an 01FFL you'll need a business license from CA which is costly and they will want a physical location for your business. There's more regs to it, but 07 is the way to go if you want to be a hobby smith.

There are special laws pertaining to Licensed Manufacturers in CA like security, that will be worse than a 01.

Also, in order to receive shipments and use DES you will still need to be a CA Firearms Dealer and be on the centralized list, so the state requirements as far as business licences will be no different as far as I can tell.
But Im a 01 so maybe I am misunderstanding this.

[kemasa]

Gunsmith is a code 07FFL and should be easier to get in California. For an 01FFL you'll need a business license from CA which is costly and they will want a physical location for your business. There's more regs to it, but 07 is the way to go if you want to be a hobby smith.

An 07FFL is also a dealer with the ability to manufacture, which means additional issues. Business license and everything else would be needed.

[kemasa]

...
And I have a few questions:

1. Is it still possible to get a home based 01FFL?
2. My understanding is that I should move out of LA County for this. Is this correct?
3. I am currently thinking of moving to Ventura county for a few reasons. How do I research the zoning regulations?
4. Where do I start?

1) Yes
2) Should? Yes, required no, but it is a lot harder as you need to find a city within the county which allows it. There are some or at least they used to.
3) Go to either city hall or the county business office of the locations that you are interested in. Sales tax is less in Ventura and there are many good reasons for buying there.
4) At the beginning.

[MosinVirus]

From the limited research I have done, 01 covers gunsmithing and 07 covers everything 01 does but adds manufacturing.

I dont know if I would be manufacturing just yet or in the beginning. But I do know that I am not really interested in retailing though I believe i would have to engage in some transfers and sales (is it a requirement?).

Should I bother with FFL123.com?

To make things crystal clear, the thing I want to avoid is getting a house in a location where i wouldn't be able to pursue my dream.

[kemasa]

None of the web sites deal with local issues. You can do it all yourself. You can be exempt as a gunsmith from transfers, but it is also more limiting. Doing transfers can get you more customers.

[Librarian]

And there is a sticky thread here - http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=384995

[MosinVirus]

ahh, yes, I don't know how I missed that.
THank you sir.

[swell1957]

Be sure to clarify what the ATF determines is gunsmithing vs. manufacturing. Several activities that we might believe to be gunsmithing the ATF requires a manufacturers license. There's also going to be ITAR registration for most manufacturing of gun parts even if not exporting. Although the DDTC is proposing to remove most firearms and parts from requiring ITAR.

A good rule to determine 01 or 07 is "who owns the firearm?" If it's part of the dealer's inventory and you are "gunsmithing" then it's probably manufacturing according to ATF. If a customer brings it in do perform "gunsmithing" this is, most likely, gunsmithing.
Of course, there are exceptions. But it's a good general rule.

Feel free to PM.

From the limited research I have done, 01 covers gunsmithing and 07 covers everything 01 does but adds manufacturing.

I dont know if I would be manufacturing just yet or in the beginning. But I do know that I am not really interested in retailing though I believe i would have to engage in some transfers and sales (is it a requirement?).

Should I bother with FFL123.com?

To make things crystal clear, the thing I want to avoid is getting a house in a location where i wouldn't be able to pursue my dream.

[ugimports]

From the limited research I have done, 01 covers gunsmithing and 07 covers everything 01 does but adds manufacturing.

I dont know if I would be manufacturing just yet or in the beginning. But I do know that I am not really interested in retailing though I believe i would have to engage in some transfers and sales (is it a requirement?).

Should I bother with FFL123.com?

To make things crystal clear, the thing I want to avoid is getting a house in a location where i wouldn't be able to pursue my dream.

gunsmithing counts as business. the reason for the FFL is because you will/may need to hold firearms overnight.

There's no full on definition of "in the business" either...e.g, you can do a transfer a month for your buddies to fulfill that requirement. More important is having all the paperwork to show it's a business. E.g., your business license, resale tax id, etc..

[kendog4570]

I have done exactly what you are requesting twice in CA. Call me and we can go over the details.

[SkyHawk]

Do it, I will be customer #1 !!! I have a BNIB Colt 1991 Govt you can go wild on.

[MosinVirus]

Be sure to clarify what the ATF determines is gunsmithing vs. manufacturing. Several activities that we might believe to be gunsmithing the ATF requires a manufacturers license. There's also going to be ITAR registration for most manufacturing of gun parts even if not exporting. Although the DDTC is proposing to remove most firearms and parts from requiring ITAR.

A good rule to determine 01 or 07 is "who owns the firearm?" If it's part of the dealer's inventory and you are "gunsmithing" then it's probably manufacturing according to ATF. If a customer brings it in do perform "gunsmithing" this is, most likely, gunsmithing.
Of course, there are exceptions. But it's a good general rule.

Feel free to PM.

Thank you. I dont plan on making firearms to sell, only on order.

I can see a situation where someone wants me to build them a 1911 on a Caspian frame for example (this would be for an out of state customer). They would need to purchase the frame and send to me, instead of me purchasing the frame for them. This would qualify as smithing, correct?

If I was to buy the frame and then build a firearm for someone and have to transfer it to them via a sale I would be manufacturing, correct?

gunsmithing counts as business. the reason for the FFL is because you will/may need to hold firearms overnight.

There's no full on definition of "in the business" either...e.g, you can do a transfer a month for your buddies to fulfill that requirement. More important is having all the paperwork to show it's a business. E.g., your business license, resale tax id, etc..

Makes sense. Thank you.

I have done exactly what you are requesting twice in CA. Call me and we can go over the details.

Responded to your message. Will definitely call you tomorrow at the time that works for you. Thank you in advance.

Do it, I will be customer #1 !!! I have a BNIB Colt 1991 Govt you can go wild on.

That is the plan. Nothing else I want to do in my future more than this.

[SonofWWIIDI]

Do it, I will be customer #1 !!! I have a BNIB Colt 1991 Govt you can go wild on.

Beat me too it!

I have watched with fascination, and a bit of jealousy, the threads you have posted on your personal projects.

I'm in!