TexasCHLforum.com

Be wary of 'facts' posted on that particular web site...and certainly do not take their advice on NFA requirements for marking a lower.

If you submitted everything correctly, your local/regional ATF office will schedule an IOI (industry operations investigator) visit. That's where the investigator sits down and checks to see if you're ready to be an FFL. They'll also go over the standard practices they expect you to follow. It's a good, informative process. Been through one for myself and sat in on another.

The IOI will tell you if they intend to sign off on your application. After that, it's a waiting game. Ballpark from start to finish, 30 to 60 days?

Free tip. When you send the copy of the application and fingerprints to the sheriff's office, add a note saying "ATF form xxxxx enclosed" or something similar. Had the first packet returned unopened from the sheriff's dept because we, "Didn't specify which prisoner the envelope was for." Got a good chuckle out of that.

There's no requirement to keep surveillance video.

By exit, you mean exiting from the business? Surrendering your FFL is pretty easy. Box up all your records, 4473s, etc, along with a form and ship it to the ATF. I don't have it handy but they've got a specific address for that. Then it becomes their problem.

If you ever get another FFL, your records start with a clean slate.

2014 industry operations inspection results, from ATF's presentation for this year's Shot Show.

Some data you might find interesting; number of licenses by type, percentage of violations, and what citations were issued for (fill out those 4473s correctly):

edit: (this is 2013, I'll have to dig up 2014, I saw it earlier today)

https://www.atf.gov/sites/default/files ... _final.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

edit 2: (okay this is for 2014, but it's power point instead of PDF)

http://www.atf.gov/sites/default/files/ ... stats.pptx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

OldCannon wrote: To be clear, I was never asked about video surveillance, but was asked about having a monitored alarm system. I would imagine they would expect video surveillance if you're a "Brick & Mortar" business, but not a home-based FFL.

Neither one are mandatory, from what I understand.

Right, but it's good to show that you've considered the security implications and it makes a positive impression as opposed to not.

gljjt wrote:...We don'thave an HOA and there are no zoning restrictions. Will I need to prove that? If so is highlighting the appropriate sections of the city ordinances sufficient (in a printed document for the ATF examiner).

The IOI (Industry Operations Investigator) will probably check ahead of time as part of his/her investigation into you, but I'd have whatever information you can get in hand. When we had a home visit, prior to pursuing an office space elsewhere, the IOI had already contacted the HOA Management and brought a letter from them with her.

RPBrown wrote:I have also thought about a FFL. I actually own my own business and have an office outside of the home that I would also use as my FFL place of business. The question that I have is what type of area would I have to have to show containment of any firearms? Will a lockable closet be okay or will I need a safe of some sort?

A safe is preferable, but I believe a lockable cage or secure storage area also works. Think of all the firearms in display cases at the gun shops you frequent. I don't think the language is specific on how the firearms are secured as long as they are, but don't quote me.

The IOI will like video surveillance and will ask about any alarm systems you have.