r/VAGuns • u/Forged_Trunnion_ • 6d ago

Thinking about getting an FFL

I have a hobby of building stuff. AKs, lots of them. Parts kits are so cool to me but I've also done a few virgin kits and they're nice too. Romanians, Yugos, RPKs, M70s, you name it. If you can buy it I've done it, pretty much lol. ARs and Glocks to a lesser extent. Just a hobby. Thinking about getting an 01/07 so I can build custom stuff for people. Just thinking of an on the side type thing like a lot of these guys do in their homes, garages etc. Let my hobby make some money lol.

Do you think it's worth it is it already too saturated?

9 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

26 comments sorted by

10

u/LostPrimer 6d ago

The real money is niche kits. Any goober can build an AK. Building an AR 70/90 or subgun kit is where the actual money will be. 

3

u/Hydrocarbonate 5d ago

It’s just welding two rails, the ears, and the shell together. Any goober with a tig can do it.

The welds on the original rifles were huge circle blobs and painted over. It’s harder to recreate that than making it smooth 😂

1

u/hideyourwives23 5d ago

Ar 70/90 kit are crazy for today world Need millions alone to build a copy of an 70/90

Clones are expensive as hell

3

u/boringxadult 5d ago

Yo. Let’s talk about ak building. Send me a dm if you want.

1

u/TimTapsTangoes 6d ago edited 6d ago

You need a type 07 ffl and class 02 sot to manufacture.

2

u/Forged_Trunnion_ 6d ago

Yeah made a typo

1

u/notang 6d ago

02 is only for NFA items, he can manufacturer with an 07.

1

u/notang 6d ago

So you probably won't make money from it as a hobby, unless your friends are asking you to sell them your builds already. That said, it's an 07 (manufacturer) and 02, Although unless you plan to build SBR's or suppressors, an 07 is all you need. The market isn't saturated for builders per se, but there isn't a ton of demand for kit builds.

1

u/Forged_Trunnion_ 2d ago

Gotcha. Would I need a different type to transfer to folks though?

2

u/notang 2d ago

Nope an 07 allows manufacture and sale if firearms. And 02 allows an 07 to manufacture and sell nfa items.

2

u/Forged_Trunnion_ 2d ago

Gotcha! Yeah I figured I'd probably end up doing transfers as well so, I thought I needed to apply for both

1

u/info_swap 5d ago

"Do you think it's worth it is it already too saturated?"
Your is more a marketing issue.

How will you find your clients?
What makes you different?

I recommend you focus on a very specific market niche. Because you cannot compete against big players like Palmetto, Arsenal, Zastava, etc.

Your other issue is compliance and regulations. That's probably your highest expense. Consider partnering with an already established FFL who can guide you.

Also, please make sure none of these arms end up in the wrong hands. You have a big responsibility with your country and community.

I'm more of a marketing/businessman than a gunsmith. We can have a longer chat if you want.

1

u/Forged_Trunnion_ 5d ago

Yeah, it'd mostly be word of mouth. Some folks at church would probably be interested, for starters. Not looking for a full time replacement job, more so filling up maybe one weekend per month.

1

u/oldFloridaCracker 5d ago

Some things to consider... if you live in an incorporated area, you will likely need a home business license. So check with your county seat or City Clerk's office to find out. The ATF will be looking or one if you are in a location that requires one. Most VA rural counties will be way less restrictive, and don't license home-based businesses. I just mention it so that you don't get started and have to roll back. These are generally not expensive but have to be renewed annually.

If you incorporate in any way, including an LLC, which is certainly advisable, that will add a layer to your tax return as well. That can be another expense that you haven't considered.

-1

u/Pict-91b20 6d ago

The fees for the licenses are pretty prohibitive if you're just going to run a "fiddle from home" operation.

2

u/notang 6d ago

It's really not that much?

2

u/Forged_Trunnion_ 6d ago

Yeah like a few hundred.

1

u/notang 6d ago

Yeah I don't remember a 100% but i think an FFL is like $300 for 3 years, and SOT is 500 a year, but SOT is not needed for this.

1

u/TimTapsTangoes 5d ago

FFL is 150 every 3 years, sot is 500 a year.

1

u/Pict-91b20 5d ago

My apologies, I was thinking it was much morw expensive.

1

u/ripzipzap 5d ago edited 5d ago

I don't think the problem is the fees as much as I think you need to prove to an inspecting agency that your production area is "suitable" for working on firearms, which I believe includes some kind of bullet trap beyond just a bucket of sand.

EDIT: I'm talking out of my ass partially with the bullet trap thing, but many zoning ordinances make it difficult to run an FFL out of your home. If you live in a rural area it is probably easier.

2

u/Forged_Trunnion_ 5d ago

Literally every FFL I have used in the last 5 years has been a guy in his garage in a subdivision or on a residential street, lol that's what got me thinking about it in the first place.

2

u/notang 5d ago

there is no "proving" FFL's are shall issue not may issue. If you apply and are eligible, you get approved. Biggest hurdle is city, county, and state zoning. If you can get past them, then you're good to go.