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

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.

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.

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

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.

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?

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

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.

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

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.