Federal Firearm Licenses and Government Regulation.

A Federal Firearms License (FFL) is a required license in order for a person to engage in business involving the manufacturing of firearms and ammunition or interstate and intrastate sales of firearms. This became a requirement after the enactment of the Gun Control Act of 1968. However, later legislation has altered who is required to have an FFL. Among other restrictions, an FFL applicant must be 21 years or older, is not prohibited from handling or possessing firearms or ammunition, has not violated the Gun Control Act or its regulations, has not failed to disclose information or facts in connection with the application, and has a premises for conducting business or collecting. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), "Licensees must maintain records of all firearms receipts and dispositions, including the name, age, and place of residence of purchasers." This means that a person with an FFL must keep detailed and accurate records in order to comply with the requirements of ATF. In addition, licensees must respond immediately to ATF firearms trace requests and reports of multiple sales of two or more handguns sold at one time or during any five consecutive business days are required to be submitted to ATF. Finally, if a licensee discontinues his business, he must give his records to ATF. These multitude of regulations make conducting a gun dealership highly susceptible to revocation proceedings by the ATF. As gun lawyers the attorneys at Barney & DeBrosse know what is necessary to avoid such impediments to running a successful business. Aside from the knowledge the attorneys have in dealing with the ATF, Barney & DeBrosse, LLC is also Midwest Regional Counsel for FFLGuard a national network of gun lawyers who defend FFLs. Call today for a consultation if you are facing any issues with your FFL or are planning to begin a new FFL.