FFL is a common reference to a business that handles gun sales

FFL is an abbreviation for Federal Firearms License. An FFL is issued by the United State Government, specifically the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF – yes, there are many acronyms when dealing with the government!).

The license is issued to a business or individual that is authorized to facilitate the legal transfer of all legal guns – a process that involves accurately collecting information required by the Federal, State and sometimes County government.

To check whether an individual or business has a valid FFL, the following website allows you to easily verify licenses online:

• https://fflezcheck.atf.gov/fflezcheck/

How to obtain a Federal Firearms License

A little-known fact about FFL requirements is that the ATF must issue you an FFL if you meet the following requirements:

• Is 21 years of age or over;
• Is not prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving or possessing firearms or ammunition, nor in the case of a corporation, partnership, or association, is any individual possessing, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the corporation, partnership, or association prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving or possessing firearms or ammunition;
• Has not willfully violated the Gun Control Act (GCA) or its regulations;
• Has not willfully failed to disclose material information or has not made false statements concerning material facts in connection with his or her application;
• Has premises for conducting business or collecting; and
• The applicant certifies that:
• the business to be conducted under the license is not prohibited by State or local law in the place where the licensed premises is located;
• within 30 days after the application is approved the business will comply with the requirements of State and local law applicable to the conduct of the business;
• the business will not be conducted under the license until the requirements of State and local law applicable to the business have been met;
• the applicant has sent or delivered a form to the chief law enforcement officer where the premises is located notifying the officer that the applicant intends to apply for a license; and
• If the applicant is to be a licensed dealer, the applicant certifies that secure gun storage or safety devices will be available at any place in which firearms are sold under the license to persons who are not licensees (“secure gun storage or safety device” is defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(34)).
• [18 U.S.C. 923(d)(1); 27 CFR 478.47(b)]
• https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/who-eligible-firearms-license

Unlike many other firearm licenses which are “may issue,” an FFL is a “shall issue” license.  Meaning that the ATF can only deny the license if a requirement is not met. Once the requirements are met, the ATF shall (must) issue a Federal Firearms License.

So You’ve Found an FFL

Selling your guns at ASK Defensive Training is safe, and easy.

Our commitment is to provide education so you can be sure you are getting a fair and honest deal. Remember, you want somebody to buy your gun and most sales to get the best price are done via consignment or auction – so put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer and make sure you include any items that may add to the value of the gun – which may include a case, original sale receipt, extra parts, special cleaning tools or original sales literature.

Let ASK Sell Your Gun

If you live in Redlands, San Bernardino or the Inland Empire, the best approach is to bring your guns to our store (please call ahead so we can make an appointment), and help you determine the best sale option.

Most guns will get the best price using either consignment or auction. However, some guns are in high demand (such as Glock pistols) and will sell quickly regardless.

If you do not live near ASK Defensive, please give us a call at 909-307-1400.

For more sizable collections (5+ firearms), arrangements can be made for an ASK Defensive personnel visit to your location. When you are ready to sell your guns, please give us a call.