How to become an FFL (gun dealer) in California

[tenpercentfirearms]

Tenpercent consistently states that the BATFE doesn't care about the other permits and that they will issue you a "useless" FFL. This is so not true.

I have heard of it happening. Maybe they changed their procedures. I am checking up on this story right now.

[tenpercentfirearms]

Tenpercent consistently states that the BATFE doesn't care about the other permits and that they will issue you a "useless" FFL. This is so not true.

GET PERMISSION FROM YOUR LOCAL ZONING AUTHORITY FIRST!!!

BATFE will contact them. And if you don't have approval from the zoning folks, BATFE WILL NOT APPROVE YOUR FFL. Period. Yes, Period.

Cheers!

About 5 years ago the BATFE changed their procedures and they now check ony our local licensing before issuing an FFL. So they will not issue you a completely dead license. They will however still take your $200 if you don't do all of your research ahead of time and then tell you they aren't giving you an FFL. So the same outcomes are still in place. Check local licensing first before wasting $200.

[Kingpin.SC]

Quick question:

I started a business laser-engraving firearms, and I would like to make life easier for my customers by giving them the option to drop their firearms off with me, rather than wait around for them to get done. I already have a DBA, and don't plan to operate out of a commercial storefront.

In my city, I am not required to have a business licence for laser-engraving or gunsmithing. I do not plan to sell any firearms; I only want to work on them.

As far as I know, I need an 07 FFL to do this. I've optained the Form 7 packet from the BATFE, and have it mostly filled out. I am just trying to figure out exactly what needs to be done before sending it in.

I have spoken to the BATFE, and it is so backwards over there, that the story changes with each person that I speak with.

I was told by one gentleman, that I won't need a business license, as long as I get something in writing that states that I don't need one for gunsmithing. He didn't mention who I would/should get this document from, but he assured me that this was "OK" with the BAFTE, and that my FFL could definitely be issued without a business licence.

Then, I called to as a separate question, and I was informed by a woman that I would need a business license to possess an FFL, so I could be recorded in some state-wide database. She said that the guy that I had spoken with before was wrong. When I mentioned that it was strictly gunsmithing, and there would be no sales, she said it didn't matter.

These were both "Agents" of the BATFE. Who was right? I am extremely confused as to what to do at this point.

Could anyone shine some light on my situation?

[tenpercentfirearms]

I do believe you can be on a non-selling centralized list. Someone around here educated me on that. Call the CA DOJ as they would probably be the ones to talk to.

[Santa Cruz Armory]

BLFD1,

I had my BATF visit about 3 weeks ago, no big deal. The inspector stayed for about 1 1/2 hours, asked a few basic questions, went through a checklist, showed me some forms, went over the A&D book in detail, then went on her way. It was not threatening in any manner.

Now, the first thing I did before sending the ATF money, I got the zoning/planning department to approve my pending store address for retail sales of firearms. Once done with that, I sent in my federal application. While waiting (about 2 1/2 months for the initial visit) I got my COE and state resale permit.

When the BATF visited, she wanted to see the approval from the zoning/planning.

Two weeks later, I got my FFL 01 in the mail, went back to the city and got my business license (along with providing them my FFL, COE, and resale permit).

Next step, sent my FFL, COE, resale permit, and business license to the State to get my CFD. They should be here within 30 days for an initial license.

After that, CFLC in order to purchase firearms and get them shipped to me.

YES, a lot of hoops to jump through, lots of paperwork and time investment!

It was 6 weeks this past Monday since I've had my interview. Does it normally take this long to receive the license??

[LG FIREARMS]

It was 6 weeks this past Monday since I've had my interview. Does it normally take this long to receive the license??

Yes. It is not un-heard of. I called the atf processing center and had the lady fax me out a copy of it. (Would provide name /number but at 6am pst I can't think.)

A week later the original showed up. Keep on them. It took 6 months from the date I mailed the application.

[LG FIREARMS]

About 5 years ago the BATFE changed their procedures and they now check ony our local licensing before issuing an FFL. So they will not issue you a completely dead license. They will however still take your $200 if you don't do all of your research ahead of time and then tell you they aren't giving you an FFL. So the same outcomes are still in place. Check local licensing first before wasting $200.

+1^

Atf wouldnt "sign off" on application until I tracked down someone from the city planning department and provided the agent with a name/phone number.

We did ours backwards as this was the last thing we needed to open. Thankfully the city said, "ok".

[ctak619]

Thanks for the great FFL info

Thanks for the great FFL info. Wow, I learned alot

[mcisniper]

I'm in Chula Vista, CA (San Diego County) and have spoken with CVPD and planning, they both gave the go ahead to operate out of the house. So, tomorrow I deal with the city on the business permit and drop off my Police Controlled License Application. The city stated if the PD had no issue they did not have an issue. Time to test what I was told on the phone. Then off to the state and start shopping for a safe.

Any Advice?

Thanks,
Michael

[david619]

Just curious as to how many recent FFL Dealers have become successful? They say 9 out of 10 restaurant start up companies fail. It seems like the internet is a brutal market to compete. Besides being able to purchase wholesale and sell to friends and family, I would like to hear of any recent firearms dealers who actually make a nice living, especially in San Diego since there seems to be plenty of storefront dealers around. Thanks.

[gdict]

I've been open for three months and things are going great. I have over 100 guns in stock and lots of ammo and accessories. Granted I had pretty good financial support and a longstanding reputation in the industry. Everything looks good though. I believe there is still money to be made in this industry, you just need to have a good plan.

Cheers!

[david619]

I've been open for three months and things are going great. I have over 100 guns in stock and lots of ammo and accessories. Granted I had pretty good financial support and a longstanding reputation in the industry. Everything looks good though. I believe there is still money to be made in this industry, you just need to have a good plan.

Cheers!

Good to hear. Hope it keeps going well.

[F8ality]

First off let me say thanks to all of you who have added anything to this thread. Possibly one of the best I've read. Anyways, so if my main purpose is to do transfers/build AR's/sell & demo to LE and mil I would need an 07 and an SOT, correct? Which do I apply for first what's the best way to do it and can an SOT do business out their home like an FFL can?

[eletrickill]

not to thread jack but,.... Does anyone know if/how you can see dealer prices on firearms from manufactures before you aquire ffl07, centralized list? for example... i can buy from the rockriver website as a consumer.... lar-15 tactical operator 2 for $1000. Is there a way to see what an 07ffl could purchase that same rifle for...Intended for resale of course.....

This is just one example but, ive spent a good 30 minutes researching and i cannot find anything on dealer prices... trying to gage margins... IE. business plan

Thankyou to all in advance.

[efillc]

not to thread jack but,.... Does anyone know if/how you can see dealer prices on firearms from manufactures before you aquire ffl07, centralized list?

There is no fixed distributor price list. Dealer prices vary widely depending on how much they purchase annually. As an example, there are online stores (e.g. Bud's) selling guns for retail for less than I would pay a distributor.

ETA: There is almost no markup in a new gun. Typically for a retailer guns bring people into the shop, but sales of accessories and optics pay the bills.