Becoming a suppressor dealer

[WKR]

I'm looking into getting a 001 ffl and class 3 sot, but only to deal supressors. I'd like to do this as a side business not a main source of income but im not sure if only dealing supressors is adequate enough for the atf requirement of holding an ffl for business. I know they've been craking down on guys getting ffl's for personal gain and not using it in conjunction with a business. (Which is total bs)

Maybe I'm nuts for considering this, and am I possibly opening up myself to the government looking over my shoulder?

 

[Southern Heritage]

I know 3 guys who have done it and I looked to them for advice for me to do it around 2010. The only one that still does it became a full time dealer and has an out door store etc. The other two got out for various specific reasons but main umbrella being the feds harassing them. Making them to nervous that they would make a honest mistake that would return allow everything to become seized. It’s a lot less common for them to seize it all if it’s not a business etc.
‘just my 2 cents.

now if you come up with a way that makes since and convince me I’m 100% game to learn.

 

[Bluefish]

all I can say is my local shop gave up their sot as they felt that silencers were not worth carrying. they said each sale required a lot of interaction with the customer vs the profit received.
It was good for all of us who had silencers in jail as they were all fast tracked so they could close the sot. Just wish I had known that would happen and I would have bought a few more.

 

[7mm-08]

Looking over your shoulder!? Just think about your question - they'll be up your rectum with a microscope.

 

[Whaledriver]

I can chime before this tumbles into a lot of internet BS. An FFL is easy to obtain. The only real thing that will prevent you is zoning, near a school, ect. When I ran my FFL, I had s safe in the basement for business. That was the only safe that could be inspected. Period. I had two inspections in 5 years. Was a non event. Just be anal about your paperwork. The SOT is a yearly $500 tax paid. It allows you to transfer class 3 items for no cost. They do not care if you deal in cans, sbr, sbs or machineguns. The problem with cans/silencers is the transfer time. Credit card companies don't like people buying things that may take 6+ months to get. That and lots of stuff happens in 6 month that can screw up background checks. I will say any ffl/sot that is not in it for personal gain is full of poo. Contrary to all internet experts there is no quota to maintain an ffl/sot. Good luck!!

 

[4090Sharps]

I can chime before this tumbles into a lot of internet BS. An FFL is easy to obtain. The only real thing that will prevent you is zoning, near a school, ect. When I ran my FFL, I had s safe in the basement for business. That was the only safe that could be inspected. Period. I had two inspections in 5 years. Was a non event. Just be anal about your paperwork. The SOT is a yearly $500 tax paid. It allows you to transfer class 3 items for no cost. They do not care if you deal in cans, sbr, sbs or machineguns. The problem with cans/silencers is the transfer time. Credit card companies don't like people buying things that may take 6+ months to get. That and lots of stuff happens in 6 month that can screw up background checks. I will say any ffl/sot that is not in it for personal gain is full of poo. Contrary to all internet experts there is no quota to maintain an ffl/sot. Good luck!!

This mirrors everything I’ve heard talking to low volume sale FFL/SOT holders. Their ATF field agents were friendly and easy to work with, and the FFL was easy to obtain.

 

[WKR]

Thanks guys, after I get moved and settled into my new home I think ill give it a shot

 

[Cameron.25]

I did it last year, it was pretty easy and i had my license within about 4 months of submitting the app. Good advice above from whaledriver above

 

[WKR]

Ok next question is...do you actually make any money with it?

 

[Cameron.25]

Ok next question is...do you actually make any money with it?

Yeah there is good margins on suppressors, better than guns. I don't dedicate much time to it but I have made a profit. I plan to put more time into it in the future but have been too busy with my main business since getting my FFL

 

[Whaledriver]

The real markup (a while ago?) is accessories, optics, and used guns. I connected with a high volume Glock dealer. I bought gen 3s when everyone went to 4s. I threw them on Gunbroker and away we went. I would do 30%+ margins. I always maintained a good stock of mags and stripped lowers (they take up no space). There can be money made depending on the political climate. I always said Obama was my best outside sales guy ever!!!! The reason I got out was my address was all over the internet. Dealt a few face to face that didnt give me any warm fuzzies. This world has way more shitheads today unfortunately, upping the risk. Have a security plan if you proceed.