does a pistolsmith need an FFL?

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Randy

does a pistolsmith need an FFL?

Post by Randy »

I am interested in starting a side business in my home as a pistolsmith - fixing target pistols. Will I need an FFL if individuals want to send me their pistols to be fixed (and then I will need to send them back)?

Randy...
mikeschroeder
Posts: 488
Joined: Tue Mar 02, 2004 10:56 am
Location: Kansas

Post by mikeschroeder »

Hi

I once had an FFL, and due to anothe state's tax paperwork, I gave it back. Yes a pistol smith does need an FFL. Ask the government what you need to do business. You may decide it's not worth the trouble. I did. Tax forms, permits, commercial property, business insurance (required) etc.

Mike
Wichita KS
User avatar
Slo cat
Posts: 147
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2004 9:05 pm
Location: Conifer, Colorado

Post by Slo cat »

Short answer; Yes.

Current law requires that you have an FFL to 'receive' a firearm or frame from out-of-state. The BATFE requires you to have an FFL if you are in the firearms business. They consider being a gunsmith as "being in the firearms business". There is an exemption if you only do 'occasional' gunsmithing. Since an airgun is not considered a firearm in the USA, it follows that an FFL is not required to work on airguns.

Here is a link to the BATFE Q&A page, where they answer the exact question you have asked. http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm#i1
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