I want to own a store where I can sell weapons, ammo, and also gunsmith. I realize that you have to have an FFL to sell firearms, but I have a few questions about an FFL. I see and hear everywhere about FFLs… from Classes I – III.
– How/where do I go to apply for an FFL?
– How difficult is it to obtain an FFL?
– From classes I-III… which is best?
– Should I apply for a Class III, and if so, is there a waiting
period after I get a Class I before I can get a Class III, and
are there only certain conditions under which you are able
to have a Class III FFL?
That’s about it for now, so, thanks for your your answers and comments!
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Go to the ATF website to get the application. They will mail it to you. It will cost you $200 for a basic FFL. If you do not have a criminal record and can show that you have a place to store weapons and your intent to sell them you should be able to get it.
You have to have a physical store which meets all the local and state regulations. The days of the home [hobby FFL] dealers went out the window in the mid 1980′s .
Go to the local BATF office and get a forms packet for the standard dealer license. You do not want to fool with the Class III license unless you want to deal with auto weapons, silencers, and things of this sort.
As a FFL dealer, be prepared for surprise inspections from the BATF when you least expect it. It is even worse if you have a Class III license.
You can get the FFL application from the BATF website. It’s not difficult if you follow the instructions. You’re going to need to be fingerprinted and the whole nine yards. If you have a clean record, you’ll get one. If not, you’re SOL. I had one years ago. At that time, the application fee was $200. I don’t know what it is now.
Regarding FFL class, this might help you:
http://www.quarterbore.com/nfa/class3.htm
Fill out form 5310.12 from the BATFE. On it you will choose what types of licenses you want. A standard type 1 license will cost $200 plus you will need photographs of yourself (more $), Fingerprints (again more $). Your state might require a state dealers license too. If you want the class 3 endorsement on your license it will cost you $1000 every year. The standard license is $90 every 3 years. Unless you live in a class 3 state you would only be able to sell class 3 weapons to military and law enforcement. And that is a pretty small market to cover the cost of a class 3 license (unless you are the only class 3 around then it might be worth it). When you sign up for an FFL you also have to get permission from the Chief Law Enforcement officer of where you business is located.