Hiya guys...

Since I live in the boonies... the nearest store that has any ammo and/or guns is the Walmart about 20 miles away... and no FFL willing to do xfers of "assault style" weapons in the area... I'm thinking of getting a "homebased" FFL for myself so I can order for myself ammo and guns online if need be.. and to "protect" what I already have on hand.... any thoughts about this from those of you that have FFL's?...

The reason I ask is that there are advertisements for FFL programs that specifically target "home based" FFL... for instance... "gunsmith FFL" or "Reloader FFL" or "Firearms Instructor FFL" etc.... are any of these legit?

Another reason I ask is that it looks like they are gonna ban internet sales of ammo... that's the only way I can get .45 Colt ammo or Remington Golden Sabre .45acp ammo at the moment.. Walmart won't special order ammo.. and they are the only ammo dealer/FFL near me.

thanks for your info...

Don

gun store that DOES stock what you need.Call them, Tell them what you want and get it ordered in before you make the trip. I have a 20 mile trip to town for most things bulk components are going to be 100 plus miles if mail order on those things stop.

--
Of the Troops & For the Troops

holder had a business license and the location was zoned for the business PLUS you have to have fixed hours.

--
Sincerely,

Hobie

I have been fighting to get back in biddness for six months, all because of a "simple" change of address. here's what you need.

1. If you own your home, you're set. As long as you have no homeowners assoc. to screw things up. If you rent, get ready for hell.

2. Most cites have an ordinance against business in residential zones. It's largely legal boilerplate, and nobody enforces it. But... The ATF in Austin(SA) cares about it big time, the ATF in Ft. Worth couldn't care less. It's a crap shoot.

3. In the old days, the FFL came in the mail. Now, it comes with a nice ATF agent paying you a call. Another crap shoot. So far those I've encountered have been nothing but nice friendly people, just looking to cover their butts, and get the paycheck. No problemo. Don't cop an attitude, and don't be skeered, just treat them as folks.

4. You will need "secure storage", both for your inventory, and your personal collection, which must be kept seprate.(at least for the visit) I put a deadbolt lock on a closet, and the ATF said that was fine. Academy sells a silly safe for $100, but it passes muster. The rule is really for dumb, wandering customers, not burgulars.

5. Your "hours of operation" are yours to choose. All the ATF cares about is a time when they can come say howdy. I used "Friday, from 11am to 2pm, closed the rest of the week. They had no problem.

6. By all means, stress that you are an internet dealer, and your only "live" customers are by appointment only, and they are few and far between. You have no showcases full of guns filling up your living room. You will have to frame your license, and hang it on the wall where they will see it.(make a copy first, to use for more copies) They will also send you a "child safety" poster which you must do the same with. Get a sack of cheapo gun locks, and put them on a shelf. Theoretically, you are supposed to include one with each gun you sell.

7. The paperwork isn't bad, just make sure you never sell a "personal" gun without booking it in first. They *will* check your log book against what you are calling "inventory", so always make sure it matches. My last audit, I had 3 guns in inventory. No problem, and they won't ask to see your personal collection, it's none of their business, legally. My favorite log book is sold by Brownell's, and it's all I've ever used. The ATF will send you 4473s, MPPs, etc. and you can always order more online.

8. If you decide to go for it, don't hesitate to ask me any questions. All these scars ought to be worth someting.:)

JLF

If your house is the licensed premises, ATF has the right to have access to and inspect any and all of it.

the nearest gunshop that I can get to even consider special order of ammo is 75 miles away in Springfield... I have been ordering by internet prior to this and I will continue to do so as long as I am able to.

Thanks...

If I do decide to go thru with this I may contact you for some hints and advice.. I do thank you very much for the offer and assistance...

Don

Legally true, but I think it would take a real tush hog of an agent. or a criminal probable cause look-see. My auditor had zero interest in my private collection, or the rest of the house. He stayed in the front room, and looked in the safe in the shipping room. Never even had to tinkle...

JLF