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does a pistolsmith need an FFL?
Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 8:02 pm
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...
Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 10:27 pm
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
Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 10:44 pm
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