Information on FFL in NOVA

[ArmedInfidel77]

I'm currently in the application process for an FFL and I live in Northern Virginia.

I'm hoping that it all goes pretty smooth and I've done a lot or research about acquiring an FFL, but none of the information has came from people in Virginia. I'm going to be doing business from my home and will start by only doing weapons transfers, until I decide whether or not it's worth it to continue or to move on to an FFL 07 and do manufacture/sales.

Anyone that can give me some tips on how to make this a smooth ordeal, I would greatly appreciate it.

I already know about the costs of registering with ITAR and how often I have to pay the fees, that's not an issue for me at all. I finally brought my wife around to understanding why I want to do this and what my end goal is, and she's all in on it, so money is not a real issue. I'd just like some info from anyone out there that is currently in business for themselves and has an FFL. I'd like to know if it's worth it before I sink a small mint in to a business that will go no where.

Thank you in advance.

[Utah]

So you want to sell out of your house? You will get people (in your house) that you would not normally associate with…some worse than others. You will be dealing with people that are TRUE assholes and think the world revolves around them (more later). You open your house to ATF inspections…granted it’s only related to your compliance inspection, but your house is open none the less.

Since you’ve looked into it, we’ll assume you know the requirements from your HOA, county, state and ATF. With that said it’s a pain in the ass, you need to keep the 4473’s for 20 years, unless you close down, then you turn them in. Since you mention 07, I’m going out on a limb…you mention working from home…how are you going to “manufacture” from home? This leads me to think you want to make your own machine guns, suppressors, etc.…which is fine, however AFT does not look favorably upon this. Will you get in trouble…maybe, maybe not?

As to the people that think the world revolves around them…I’m a home based FFL in Winchester, which means I work a fulltime job and 90% of the time I need to drive to FedEx, UPS or USPS to pick up a package (adult signature required for all gun deliveries). What that means…as you’re watching the “tracking” of your gun the first delivery attempt fails these people FREAK OUT…you need to get the gun before it gets returned…I need to pick it up at 10:45 and only on Wednesdays…can you meet me at the Wal-Mart parking lot…goes on and on. Guns just show up with no name on them, and then you get bitched out because you’ve been sitting on it for 2 weeks…why didn’t you call me? I’ve told a couple of these guys to NEVER use me again and if they do I’ll send the gun back.

I will say this…I’ve met some great people, mainly due to my transfer fee ($20) and the rest of my business (Safety Training). If you’re a vet, LEO transfer fee is half price…you transfer with me 5 times you get one free. Is it worth it…looking back I wouldn’t do it again knowing what I know now. Lastly, we had our SOT for a year and got 2 calls for transfers ($30)…only other game in town is $100

[jdonovan]

I;ve watched a buddy go though this, and have learned some things from his experiences. You don't say what your end goal is, and that would be helpful to know.

If you're trying to be a home dealer and make a living on $20 transfers, and $10 over cost guns... it isn't going to happen. In fact when you calculate the time spent doing those things, you're working for below minimum wage.

[kelu]

There are some complains that since Trump was elected, people don't buy as much as before guns and ammo.
That's a factor to consider, business to be slower than you expect.

[GregVa]

Utah, where are you located in VA, that is a nice transfer fee.

[jdonovan]

in his post, he said winchester.

[GregVa]

thanks .. guess I missed that

[SHMIV]

My sisters father-in-law had his FFL, and let it expire at the end of the year. He found it to be too great a hassle.

I had a neighbor, back in the 90's, who ran a gun shop from his home; a recent Google search showed me that he is still doing it, so I guess that he still finds it to be worthwhile.

There is also a mechanic, up the road from me, that has his FFL; he operates the "store" from the shop. He has no stock, though. It's basically a convenient way for him and his friends to buy guns online, so he is strictly transfer.

The thing with those 3 examples, though, is that the FFL thing is not sole income. My sisters father-in-law is retired, so he had a retirement check. My former neighbor (probably retired, now) had a very good paying job. Considering where he was working, he's got a nice savings account to live on. And, the mechanic... well, he's a mechanic.

Speaking of the former neighbor, please forgive this digression. My neighbor (neighbor A)was across the street from me. His next door neighbor(neighbor B) had a freak out, one night, and shot up the house. The SWAT team came for neighbor B, the next day. Prior to the SWAT strike, a plain clothed officer showed up to visit neighbor A. Neighbor A was at work, but his wife and daughters were home. Plain clothes advised Wife to leave. She said, "No."
Plain Clothes replied, "But, ma'am, your neighbor is dangerous, and the front room of your house is filled with guns. He might come over!" To which she retorted, "Yeah. Exactly. My house is filled with guns. Let him come; I'm not going anywhere!"

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[ArmedInfidel77]

Thank you all for the information. This, by no means, is going to be something that I make a living from. I'm a full time private security contractor and make enough to live beyond my comfort needs. This is going to be a side thing that may turn in to something larger later, like a full on gun shop and accessories. Where I live in Virginia, there aren't many gun stores and the ones that do exist, are somewhat expensive and their transfer fees are ridiculous. Living in a neighborhood of like minded people that love guns, I figure it'll make an easier process for purchasing. As far as the unsavory characters that may or may not show up at my door, I'll be sure to let them know that they aren't welcome anymore.