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ffl?
spas12
Member Posts: 571 ✭✭✭✭
I sold a gun and the ffl that the buyer wants it shipped to says that they don't give copies of their ffl to non ffls.
I believe that it is alright if I only get there license number so I can run the check, am I correct?
Second I've never dealt with an ffl that wouldn't send a copy of their license, is there any reason to be suspicious?
I believe that it is alright if I only get there license number so I can run the check, am I correct?
Second I've never dealt with an ffl that wouldn't send a copy of their license, is there any reason to be suspicious?
Comments
Scott-
Actually, it's worse than in your case; many FFL's now say that they will not accept a firearm from a nonlicensee, period. But, I suspect, if you walked into their shops looking to sell your collection of old Colts & S&Ws, they wouldn't throw you out.
You are absolutely correct, all you need is the dealer's FFL number. You would then look it up on FFL EZ-Check to verify it, & make a printout for your records. The dealer could reasonably ask you for a photocopy of your drivers license. If he still refuses, you would be justified in telling the buyer to find another dealer.
Neal
EDIT: Many FFL's do not want to give out copies of their license for fear that it will be used by an unscrupulous person to buy firearms. Some even write or stamp "FILE COPY" on copies to prevent that. They will give a photocopy to another dealer, but not a nonlicensee. It's still paranoid, because there's ZERO documentation of license fraud in cases like this.
He MUST provide you with the FFL number, it is specified in the regulations.
I believe that it is alright if I only get there license number so I can run the check, am I correct?
Second I've never dealt with an ffl that wouldn't send a copy of their license, is there any reason to be suspicious?
As others have already noted, yes, you are correct, you just need the number -- or just the parts of it to enter into the ATF's eZcheck system -- to verify that the address you will be shipping to is licensed to receive the shipment.
As for an FFL not wanting to give a copy of his license out -- as nmyers has already pointed out, it is paranoia since there is no evidence of fraud in this area.
If he's concerned someone might try to walk into a shop of another FFL somewhere with the license and try to buy over the counter, he can eliminate that risk by writing (or putting a watermark image over, if this is an electronic copy) saying "not for counter sales" -- that way, the copy of the license can only be used for shipping a firearm to his location.
Again, there is no evidence that there are con-artists out there who are using "stolen, fake or altered" FFL licenses trying to buy firearms from unsuspecting FFLs, so this is really a non-issue, but considering the headaches a license holder would probably have to deal with IF someone did misuse his license, a certain amount of caution is not unreasonable.
Just a simple sharpie marker or exacto knife away.....
Edit - Neal - didn't LF have an issue of someone using her FFL in a not good manner?
I would tell the buyer to find another FFL. Or, he can pay for the one on your end. If the law doesn't state he has to have it shipped to him by an FFL then the FFL is really doing the whole firearms trade a disservice. He's adding to the paranoia that is keeping the gun trade from running.
Now, if the state the buyer is from requires an FFL to ship to, and you didn't state anything beforehand, then it's on you.
JIM..........