Anyone here have a home FFL?
 

I have been thinking about setting up shop to restore antique shotguns. I understand a type 1 FFL is required to do any gunsmithing. What are the ups and downs of having an FFL? Can you actually get an FFL for a repair shop that is in your residence? I do not intend to set up a store and sell. This would be repairs and restorations only.

I believe antique guns only require a C&R FFL, which anyone can get.

My local FFL operates out of his home. He's also a gunsmith. So apparently you can do what you are considering out of your home.

Yes I do and it all boils down to if your home is located in an area that allows that type of business 'zoning'. And that's the FIRST question the examiner/agent will ask to see/confirm when he comes to your house to interview you after your application is received, yes he/she WILL come to your house. Gunsmithing requires an 01 license you say you want to "restore antique shotguns" As I'm sure you are aware many antique SG's are considered modern 'type'. You will also need a fed tax ID as well as state and business license, city or county. It's really not as big a deal as I have made it sound. Just remember the KEY is zoning start there first.

The above assumes you will be working on firearms for others. If only for yourself no license needed.

That's a lot to fix a dozen guns a year.

You would make a darn good gunsmith if you got out 12 a year! ;)

I don't pay a lot of attention to the regulations for operating out of a house as I have a commercial building I'm in. I rember reference to regular business hours and being open to the public (no by appointment only). I don't have a fed tax ID, just use my SS#. Only thing I needed from the state is a sales tax permit.
I had it you already had an FFL, what do you see as an advantage to having one?
Jim

I had one for years then, Clinton got elected, the ATF changed the rules...

Basically you had to: "Please draw us a map of how to rob you!"

Since I was rural, you had to draw a map of your home. Its exact location in relation to nearby roads. You had draw a floor plan of your home. Indicate where the firearms were kept in the home. What Make and Model safe(s) you used. List Make and Model of any security system ( alarm) installed. List hours of public access to the business. All approved by local county Government concerning business sales licenses, taxes, etc.

Question to self: Do I want that info. sitting in a Government data base?
Answer: NO!

But that was many years ago ...maybe they have RELAXED the rules? :D

So what do I need if I want to own a full auto gun?

A lot of cash and several months to wait while ATF pussyfoots around.

1. Complete an ATF Form 4 (5320.4). The transferor, the one transferring or selling the automatic weapon and the transferee, the one receiving or buying the automatic weapon, must both complete sections of this form. The "Law Enforcement Certification" section must also be signed by the head of the local law enforcement, which is often the sheriff.

2. Include a 2 by 2-inch photograph of the transferee on each copy of the ATF form. This must be taken within the last year and include the transferee's address. This address cannot be a post office box.

3. Submit a fingerprint on FBI Form FD-258. This must be done by someone who is approved to take them, such as the police department. The fingerprints are accompanied by a photograph and a certificate which states that the individual seeking to obtain the automatic weapon has no justifiable reason that prevents them from obtaining an automatic weapon.

4. Check your local and state guidelines. If your area requires a permit or license to buy, receive or possess an automatic weapon you must send in a copy of the transferee's license or permit with the application and a $200 tax payment.

5. Send the completed form and proper tax payment to Bureau of ATF, P.O. Box 73201, Chicago, IL 60673. If you are approved to obtain an automatic weapon, the original form is returned to you with an approval stamped on it. If you are denied, you are refunded the tax payment.

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Or see your local Army Recruiter! :p

I think you can bypass the local LEO chief's signature if you use a trust to apply.