i see all these good deals on guns online but hear horror stories about being kept waiting and paying extra to the guys with the ffl's...would it be worth it just to go through the process and get one myself? what would i have to do if so?

There are plenty of reputable LGS that do xfers here.


Here you go,

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/how-to/become-an-ffl.html

i see all these good deals on guns online but hear horror stories about being kept waiting and paying extra to the guys with the ffl's...would it be worth it just to go through the process and get one myself? what would i have to do if so?

Call around to the local gun stores and ask for their rates. $50 is the standard fee that I have encountered, some places may give discounts if you are active military.

i should have mentioned i live in kona on the big island

Al Mongeon, d.b.a. Ready on the Right charges $30 and as far as I know that is the cheapest on Oahu.

Edit: I just saw your last post I never refreshed before I posted, sorry.

Al Mongeon, d.b.a. Ready on the Right charges $30 and as far as I know that is the cheapest on Oahu.

Edit: I just saw your last post I never refreshed before I posted, sorry.

no worries...kinda slim pickins here in kona

You just need to go to the local shops and ask around and find out the terms before you buy. I have used frank emerson for one transfer. Everything went fine but I did have to wait a week before It was ready. And then you have to meet him at the PD and do the transfer out in the parking lot. I wouldn't use him again for transfers, but nice guy regardless.

I have also used Walter at elite hunters usa, unlike frank he has an actual store but again I had to wait a week for the gun to be ready so probably wouldn't do a transfer again, but out of all the local gun shops I would prefer to take my business to him rather than anyone else.

Kona guns refuses to do transfers, they prefer to "keep it local"... whatever.

Might try blue water hunter. They seem pretty organized. Ask how long they take.

Prices are pretty much going to be 40-50 dollars for a transfer no matter where you go..

so nobody thinks going through with the ffl process is worth it? 10 guns bought online @ 50 bucks a pop buys me an additional gun...not to mention i could charge somebody else 30 to do a transfer...seems like all upside to me

ha, good luck getting a ffl! 

I priced a couple online purchases but once I added in the FFL/shipping the price was pretty comparable.  I did use KGS for my Tactical Solutions upper and that went well.

The way I look at this is... Would you rather be a manager and be responsible for the compliance and reporting or a carefree customer?

$30-50 well spent in my book

Sorry, are you asking about BECOMING an FFL?  Like going though whatever paperwork/legalities are involved?

Sorry, are you asking about BECOMING an FFL?  Like going though whatever paperwork/legalities are involved?

i guess i was...but in no way do i know what that would entail...which is why i was asking

I priced a couple online purchases but once I added in the FFL/shipping the price was pretty comparable.  I did use KGS for my Tactical Solutions upper and that went well.

some stuff is hard to get here at a good price...example im looking around online and see a romainian ak47 all 922r compliant with free shipping for 650...i just bought a saiga sporter for 650 and am gonna drop at least another 200-300 converting it...which is cool because its my first and will probably never sell it when im done but doubt im gonna want to go through that hassle again...whats a romainian ak all decked out go for here? i havnt seen 1...not that i looked very hard admittedly...but doubt they run less than 700

some stuff is hard to get here at a good price...example im looking around online and see a romainian ak47 all 922r compliant with free shipping for 650...i just bought a saiga sporter for 650 and am gonna drop at least another 200-300 converting it...which is cool because its my first and will probably never sell it when im done but doubt im gonna want to go through that hassle again...whats a romainian ak all decked out go for here? i havnt seen 1...not that i looked very hard admittedly...but doubt they run less than 700

I understand, I've been looking for a nice 4" Smith Model 66 for a while.  The only ones I can find are online so far, one day I'll pull the trigger...

I heard personal FFL's are very difficul to obtain due to the regulations and applications you have to fill out, and they may not give you one.  I believe they are mainly issued to businesses.  Basically not worth your time to pursue one even for $500 unless you make it a business.

home ffls are grandfathered in
to get an ffl now, you need a separate secure storefront/street address
read the link provided in the first couple of posts
one does not simply get an ffl

I heard personal FFL's are very difficul to obtain due to the regulations and applications you have to fill out, and they may not give you one.  I believe they are mainly issued to businesses.  Basically not worth your time to pursue one even for $500 unless you make it a business.

I heard personal FFL's are very difficul to obtain due to the regulations and applications you have to fill out, and they may not give you one.  I believe they are mainly issued to businesses.  Basically not worth your time to pursue one even for $500 unless you make it a business.

What a close friend encountered when he asked a similar question:

The ATF is not keen on issuing more "home-based FFLs" since most are used primarily by individuals who just want guns shipped direct to them (and the insinuation that they aren't in it for the business).

If you apply for an FFL, they ask if you are applying for one with the goal of making money (ie running a business) using the FFL, and what your hours (and brick and mortar storefront--home, store or whatnot) will be. They will drop by your place of business during posted hours (heck, your hours could be 6pm-midnight for all they cared, as long as you are actually "open" and engaged in the business at those times) to verify that you're not just someone who wants to shop online for guns.

Good luck.

If you apply for an FFL, they ask if you are applying for one with the goal of making money (ie running a business) using the FFL, and what your hours (and brick and mortar storefront--home, store or whatnot) will be. They will drop by your place of business during posted hours (heck, your hours could be 6pm-midnight for all they cared, as long as you are actually "open" and engaged in the business at those times) to verify that you're not just someone who wants to shop online for guns.

This!!

They ATF are keen that you maintain hours and in a for profit business. Other items are a Safe, alarm system, state taxes and local zoning.
toughest item is zoning, it must be a commercial or industrial area and rent in these areas are alot higher.


I just got my FFL packet forms to apply for an FFL.

This!!

They ATF are keen that you maintain hours and in a for profit business. Other items are a Safe, alarm system, state taxes and local zoning.
toughest item is zoning, it must be a commercial or industrial area and rent in these areas are alot higher.


I just got my FFL packet forms to apply for an FFL.

how do people not know this?  do they not know how to use google?  Either you can afford guns or you can't its an expensive hobby like car racing.  If you gotta ask, you can't afford it!  It wasn't always like this but it is now, especially in Hawaii where they gouge you for everything from cleaning patches to outrageous FFL fees (there are a few which don't but for the most part you gotta pay cuz you don't got a store of your own!).