Phd in FFology

by JLF , Wednesday, December 19, 2012, 15:05 (4303 days ago) @ D. Sikes

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