Returning to NOVA, this time as an FFL

[ForceResearchAL]

I have been away from NOVA for the last four years, but getting transferred back in the next year. I hope to move my FFL business with me to Fairfax Co., but have heard of many difficulties with running an FFL business from my residence in VA, especially in Fairfax Co. Any input and/or recommendations for reference reading would be greatly appreciated.

[UDT]

to VGOF.

[shulatt]

Hello and to VGOF!

[zephyp]

to VGOF. Problems for anyone running an FFL business here in NOVA due to all the antis. But, go for it. We need more gun stores up here. Get those things in their faces so they become accustomed to the laws of VA...

[OakRidgeStars]

Welcome to VGOF

[allingeneral]

Welcome back to Virginia and welcome aboard!

I suppose there aren't any problems with running an FFL out of your home as long as you don't mind your home being listed on an "FFL list" (i.e. your home could be a target for burglars) and as long as you don't mind the Feds having unfettered access to search your home at any time that they choose in order to verify your paperwork and your inventory, etc.

Personally, if I were to get an FFL, I would definitely register it at an address other than my residence.

[zephyp]

Personally, if I were to get an FFL, I would definitely register it at an address other than my residence.

I suppose if someone were real sinister they might submit an application with that nasty neighbor's address and then make an anonymous call to the DEA about suspicious activities at weird hours of the night...

[moss20]

Welcome

[CCFan]

Howdy, and

Personally, if I were to get an FFL, I would definitely register it at an address other than my residence.

My last purchase was this exact scenario... I love SW Virginia. If the garage door is open - come on in...

[sasquatch]

How hard is it to start a FFL business out of your home now?I thought they changed the regulations?

[ForceResearchAL]

I've heard issues about re-zoning a residential address to a business location; I have no idea about all of the implications pertaining to that. I'm not worried about my address being on a list, as I have a security alarm, insurance, and a vault, there's nothing more I can really do if someone wants my guns. I don't intend to give up my FFL and this is a side job, so I don't have the ability to lease a separate location. Any first-hand experience FFL holders have had in Fairfax County would be greatly appreciated. I think it is a real shame that most of the FFLs I used to use when I lived up here four years ago are gone now. I'm hoping to promote the shooting sports by countering the artificially inflated prices out there online and at gun shows, and even many stores. I'm not looking to get rich selling guns on the side, but do need to make a profit to satisfy the ATF and offset my personal expenses for keeping up my shooting hobbies. I hope a straight-forward, cost+10% type, out of the home FFL business will be able to survive up here.

[sasquatch]

Thats what I'd like to do down here in Danville, but I'm not sure how to go about it.

[zephyp]

I've heard issues about re-zoning a residential address to a business location; I have no idea about all of the implications pertaining to that. I'm not worried about my address being on a list, as I have a security alarm, insurance, and a vault, there's nothing more I can really do if someone wants my guns. I don't intend to give up my FFL and this is a side job, so I don't have the ability to lease a separate location. Any first-hand experience FFL holders have had in Fairfax County would be greatly appreciated. I think it is a real shame that most of the FFLs I used to use when I lived up here four years ago are gone now. I'm hoping to promote the shooting sports by countering the artificially inflated prices out there online and at gun shows, and even many stores. I'm not looking to get rich selling guns on the side, but do need to make a profit to satisfy the ATF and offset my personal expenses for keeping up my shooting hobbies. I hope a straight-forward, cost+10% type, out of the home FFL business will be able to survive up here.

Suffice it to say that IMO NOVA is gun store starved. I live in Springfield and the closest is Sharpshooters. I'd have to drive 45 minutes to get to another gun place. I think your business would do well anywhere except Falls Church. They are big anti gun over there and thats about the only place I would avoid.

[KONY]

Hopefully you are somewhere near Fairfax City.

[GS78]

I've heard issues about re-zoning a residential address to a business location; I have no idea about all of the implications pertaining to that. I'm not worried about my address being on a list, as I have a security alarm, insurance, and a vault, there's nothing more I can really do if someone wants my guns. I don't intend to give up my FFL and this is a side job, so I don't have the ability to lease a separate location. Any first-hand experience FFL holders have had in Fairfax County would be greatly appreciated. I think it is a real shame that most of the FFLs I used to use when I lived up here four years ago are gone now. I'm hoping to promote the shooting sports by countering the artificially inflated prices out there online and at gun shows, and even many stores. I'm not looking to get rich selling guns on the side, but do need to make a profit to satisfy the ATF and offset my personal expenses for keeping up my shooting hobbies. I hope a straight-forward, cost+10% type, out of the home FFL business will be able to survive up here.

I don't have any specifics but I would guess you would need more than +10% just to offset the "whipping boy" status you will undoubtedly recieve from the NOVA anti's.....my guess would be if "the other FFL's" you previously mentioned are all gone.......you might want to reconsider.......perhaps a longer commute time would be appropriate in this situation.....