Becoming an FFL

[niccnak]

I am interested in becoming an FFL. What are the qualifications, or prerequistites, needed before I apply to the BATF? I am in the Military and have completed an NRA Handgun Instructor Course and am thinking about offering Basic Firearm Safety Courses out of my home. I know that I would not need to be an FFL to do this, but if I do end up doing this, then it might be an added benefit to my clients to be able to obtain Firearms for them. This is just an idea at the moment and I am just wondering how hard it would be to obtain my FFL. Any and all responses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

[halifax]

See this sticky at the top of this forum

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

[We The People Firearms]

Your main issue is going to be where you live, and how the powers that be feel about you selling guns in their jurisdiction. Some cities/counties will give you a business license that has the required verbage as easy as getting a dog license, others may ask for your first born child. So, I would begin by checking your local municipality to see if it is even possible. If you get static from them, everything else will be an uphill battle. If it is not an issue, then decide if working from home is going to be possible. BATFE wants to make sure you are going to do it as a business and not just buy a few guns for yourself and a few friends. So, find out if a home based ffl/instruction business is even possible.

You will find that the deeper you get into it, the more issues will arrrive. Even if you get an ffl, when it comes to buying and receiving guns, the state has the jurisdiction. Check doj's website on securing your "facility". You may find out that the mods you have to do to your house depending on the type of ffl you get may be cost prohibitive. The whole system works kind of backwards. Where I live, home based ffl's are out. So, I needed a storefront. That requires a lease and insurance. And applying for your license and burning both ends of the string at once is frustrating. Insurance is another issue. Again depending on the kind of ffl you get, it could be hard. According to my agent, he had to go to Virginia to get someone to underwrite for an 07. No one in california would deal with it.
I guess a more simple answer would be that it is not hard to get an ffl. The hard part is to be able to receive and sell the guns it allows you to be able to sell once you get them. The city, LE (if they care in your city), doj requirements, etc. Do a lot of checking before you delve into it. Good luck, just check it out thoroughly.