Your Privacy Choices
After explaining that it would mean some extra income and getting me out of the house, I finally got approval from my wife to pursue an FFL. As I go through the process, I thought it would be beneficial to our readers to document my experiences and show that it will (hopefully) be a relatively easy process. The intent is getting a FFL (Type 01) with a SOT (03) for Class III NFA items.
Future TFB Class III reviews, anyone?
First and most important, a FFL is not to be solely for personal use. You must “intend on engag(ing) in a firearms business” (i.e., buying, selling, and doing transfers). If the BATFE finds that the licence was used contrary to this requirement, the FFL is immediately forfeited and you can be subject to fines or worse. It is even on the FFL application:
The Form 7 (FFL Application) is quite explicit. Do NOT submit an application if you do not intend to make a profit or only acquire personal firearms.
Given the above, it is critical to have a solid plan to satisfy BATFE requirements. In my case, my business plan is to sell to my extended network including friends, family, and do transfers for online purchases that others do through GunBroker, etc. Once I have the SOT, I plan on drawing upon my IT background and setting up a website for suppressor sales (Indiana just legalized hunting with suppressors).
While my Google and Forum-Fu are quite good, I personally like having guides and checklists. It just helps keep things organized. Based on my research, I purchased the FFL123.com guides and have been impressed with the content thus far.
Reasonably priced at $54.99 with a money-back guarantee, FFL123.com will serve as my guide through the process.
Throughout this series, it is my intent to capture and illustrate the full process of getting a home-based FFL. During each section I will keep a running tab of my costs, how long it took, and note the challenges I faced. With the guide’s help, I expect to write on the following:
- The Right FFL Type for Me
- Creating My Company
- Zoning & Local Permits
- Submitting the Application
- ATF Interview
- Receiving the FFL
- Getting Registered in NICS
- Setting up Bank Accounts, Accepting Credit Cards & Processing
- First Customers & Transfers
- Applying for the SOT 3 – (Class III)
Current Running Total for FFL & SOT ($54.99):
- $54.99- FFL123.com Guides
With any luck, it was harder to convince my wife than will be to go through the FFL processes. Please e-mail me with any tips & tricks. I will make sure to share them in the relevant section.
Edit: Thanks to a few readers! They pointed out I had the wrong SOT number. Fixed.
