Does one need an FFL to be a gunsmith?

[deni 16]

I'm really considering doing something like this on the side.

[hiker88 22]

I would think you have to have a FFL to take "temporary" possession of a handgun for gunsmithing work w/o applying for a pistol permit.

 

Just my 0.02 cents. I'm not a smith nor a FFL holder.

[leadunderpressure 52]

I'd think you could do stockwork and other items that don't require the gun to be in your possession but it's a requirement for any real gunsmithing.

[JamesC 2]

I'm very interested in the answer to this. I'll go poke around and see if I can dig anything up.

[raz-0 1,259]

In some states, no not to work on state residents firearms (at least that's what I ahve been told). In NJ, definitely yes, as you need a permit or an FFL to affect a transfer. Regardless of the actual limit of the letter of the law, you save yourself problems with just getting the FFL that outweigh the hassle of getting the FFL.

[deni 16]

Ok so as far as doing work on receivers and handguns then yeah.

But like upper receivers and compliance work I may be ok.

Assuming I have no receiver in my possession I can work on stocks, barrels muzzle devices etc? Or handgun slides/sights

 

As far as obtaining an ffl, I'm assuming that may take quite some time.

What zoning laws am I looking for that would disqualify me from possessing one?

[Shane45 807]

Yes you need an FFL. Yes it will take a fairly good clip of time to get. Zoning can be a big issue.

[Pew Pew Plates 358]

Anything that doesnt involve the reciever/frame/sideplate is no different than somebody dropping off a nintendo at your house to get fixed.

 

FFL is only required when you are dealing with firearms, not firearm parts.

[PK90 3,573]

One may be a gunsmith for a dealer, but to take possession of the firearms a license is needed for one's premises.

[Wojo 98]

I looked into this as well some years ago. Went and got my C&R and in short order cancelled it after hearing about the liabilities associated with having one in the PRNJ. Let's just say NJ doesn't make it easy or a good investment if you hope to make money without planning for a long drawn out process with lots of hurdles. I have taken a few armorers courses and have purchased a lot of specific tools and maintain a fair amount of parts to assist friends with thier maintenance / minor repair / scope installation / bore sigthing needs. Typically they stick around while I do anything...no parts with a serial number are left without its owner.