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Colorado FFL

FogRider

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Jul 23, 2007
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I've been considering getting an FFL, but I don't know if it's worth it. I pretty much just want it for cheaper prices for myself, and likely a few of my friends. The problem is, I have no idea what is involved. Can someone give me a FFL For Dummies, and point me in the right direction to look up detailed info for myself?
 

CO-Joe

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Since the Clinton era, the BATF really wants you to be in business for the purpose of making a profit, if you're going to be in the business at all. I know a couple of the "kitchen counter" FFLs who have got the license after to the tightening down... But they're actually trying to make money, and not just get a few guns for them and their friends.

Basically, when applying you need to send proof that you've notified the sheriff/chief of your intentions, get the fingerprints, along with the forms, etc. etc. Ther'es free guides on the interwebs. In addition to the federal stuff, you have to follow the rules for your area like any other home operated business. So, if your area's zoning doesn't allow for the sort of home business that receives traffic, it might be a non-starter if the agents notice this and deny.

If all you wanted to do was have the FFL to order up a few guns a year, it's probably not even going to be worth the time invested in getting it setup.
 

Diocoles

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Jul 21, 2008
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Aurora, Colorado, USA
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CO-Joe wrote:
Since the Clinton era, the BATF really wants you to be in business for the purpose of making a profit, if you're going to be in the business at all. I know a couple of the "kitchen counter" FFLs who have got the license after to the tightening down... But they're actually trying to make money, and not just get a few guns for them and their friends.

Basically, when applying you need to send proof that you've notified the sheriff/chief of your intentions, get the fingerprints, along with the forms, etc. etc. Ther'es free guides on the interwebs. In addition to the federal stuff, you have to follow the rules for your area like any other home operated business. So, if your area's zoning doesn't allow for the sort of home business that receives traffic, it might be a non-starter if the agents notice this and deny.

If all you wanted to do was have the FFL to order up a few guns a year, it's probably not even going to be worth the time invested in getting it setup.
+1 not to mention the regulations about all the paperwork and that they can then come and inpect your "place" of business at anytime without a permit.
 

FogRider

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Jul 23, 2007
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Centennial, Colorado, USA
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CO-Joe wrote:
If all you wanted to do was have the FFL to order up a few guns a year, it's probably not even going to be worth the time invested in getting it setup.
That's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the info.
 

Ian

Lone Star Veteran
Joined
Nov 11, 2007
Messages
710
Location
Austin, TX
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Yeah, you can't get FFL's for expanding personal collection.


I'm in the process of getting my Type 7 FFL for Ammo Manufacturing. It's a huge pain in the butt and it takes forever.
 

CO-Joe

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Do small ammo makers also have to do the ITAR registration bull stuff?
 

mahkagari

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CO-Joe wrote:
Do small ammo makers also have to do the ITAR registration bull stuff?
+1 for this. When do you need to start worrying about an FFL? I only make enough for hobby shoooting, but don't need to worry about the ATF no-knocking me because I pick up brass whenever I can.
 

CO-Joe

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mahkagari wrote:
CO-Joe wrote:
Do small ammo makers also have to do the ITAR registration bull stuff?
+1 for this. When do you need to start worrying about an FFL? I only make enough for hobby shoooting, but don't need to worry about the ATF no-knocking me because I pick up brass whenever I can.

When you start selling your reloads, you probably need to worry about the FFL stuff, if you're not selling, forgitaboutit.

The ITAR registration, however, currently priced at $2,250/year would really put me off more so than anything else. It's just not clear to me, in the clear-as-mud list of guidelines the state department has, that commercial reloader operations need to register. If you make the bullets, primers, powder, or casings, it's pretty clear that this registration is required, but it doesn't say anything about taking these components and putting them together into complete cartridges.

It really is a bunch of crap, though. I don't see how making manufacturers of this type of thing contributes to national security... It's just another level of bureaucracy, employing people to make giant piles red tape so other people have to sift through it.:banghead:
 

mahkagari

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CO-Joe wrote:
If you make the bullets, primers, powder, or casings, it's pretty clear that this registration is required
You mean, making bullets to SELL, right? I.e. if you're casting your own for your own use, no biggie?
 

CO-Joe

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mahkagari wrote:
CO-Joe wrote:
If you make the bullets, primers, powder, or casings, it's pretty clear that this registration is required
You mean, making bullets to SELL, right? I.e. if you're casting your own for your own use, no biggie?
Presumably.
 

Ian

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Nov 11, 2007
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Austin, TX
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Let me make this very clear. You do NOT in any way, shape, or form need an FFL if you make ammo for PERSONAL USE. You can even give ammo away for free if you want.

However, once you begin to SELL ammo, then a type 7 FFL is required.
 
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