A Real-Time Walkthrough of the FFL Prerequisites

Are you looking to start your own gun business but don't know where to begin? The process of getting a Federal Firearms License (FFL) can seem daunting, filled with legal hurdles, state and local paperwork, and strict federal oversight. What if you could follow along with someone navigating this exact journey right now?

In this detailed guide, Colt Stephens of C. Stephens Gun Works pulls back the curtain on the FFL application process. Drawing from his real-time experience starting a home-based firearms business in Tennessee, he provides a transparent, ground-zero roadmap for aspiring gun dealers and gunsmiths.

In This Video, You Will Learn:

• Why an LLC is Critical: Understand how to properly structure your business to create a legal shield that protects your personal assets (your house, car, and savings) from liability.

• The 5 Essential Prerequisites: Get a clear, actionable checklist of the five things you must do before you can even submit your FFL application, including:

  1. Filing with your Secretary of State

  2. Getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS

  3. Obtaining your County Business License

  4. Clearing Local Zoning Requirements

  5. Completing the Fingerprinting Process

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• Navigating the ATF's Rules: Learn the difference between being a hobbyist and being "in the business" of selling firearms, and why crossing that line without an FFL can have serious consequences.

• Common Roadblocks & How to Avoid Them: Colt shares the real-world hurdles he's encountered, like the ATF's specific requirements for physical fingerprint cards versus electronic files.

The Hidden Trap of Reselling Ammunition: A Financial Breakdown of Remington Premier Match

Have you ever looked at a pallet of premium ammunition and seen a golden opportunity for profit? In the firearms industry, what looks like a sure bet can often be a financial trap, especially for online sellers. At C. Stephens Gun Works, we're committed to pulling back the curtain on the real numbers and challenges of running a firearms business.

In our latest video analysis, our founder, Colt Stephens, provides a completely transparent, numbers-driven case study on a product he actually purchased for resale: the Remington Premier Match .223 Rem 77gr Sierra MatchKing (SKU 27686).

This isn't just another ammo review. This is a critical lesson in market dynamics, profitability, and the hidden costs that can turn a promising product into dead inventory.

What You'll Discover:

• The True Acquisition Cost: We go beyond the per-box price. Colt breaks down the initial investment, including the "minimum free freight" requirement from distributors that forces you to tie up more capital than you planned.

• The Market Price vs. Your Cost: You'll see a live look at Gunbroker, where competitors are selling this exact ammunition for less than our cost. We analyze how this is possible and expose the business models that are crushing traditional resellers.

• Death by a Thousand Fees: Profitability isn't just about buy price and sell price. Colt calculates the unavoidable expenses—shipping, platform fees, compliance fees, and sales tax—to reveal the shocking reality: selling this product could actually cost you money.

• The Drop-Shipping Dilemma: The video uncovers how drop-shippers have saturated the market for this SKU, creating a race to the bottom that's impossible for an inventory-holding business to win.

The Bottom Line

While Remington Premier Match is a fantastic, high-quality round for personal use, this analysis proves it's a financial pitfall for resellers in the current online market. This is the unfiltered, behind-the-scenes knowledge that separates a thriving business from one that fails.

Ready for a real-world lesson in the firearms business? Watch the full video below to see the numbers for yourself and learn how to avoid making the same costly mistake.

Thinking of securing your Federal Firearms License (FFL) in 2025? Colt Stephens from C. Stephens Gun Works recently submitted his ATF FFL application and is pulling back the curtain on every critical step of his journey. This is your essential guide to understanding the real-world process of becoming a licensed gun dealer.

From securing vital documents to mastering the ATF interview, Colt offers transparent insights into the challenges and requirements. Avoid common pitfalls and prepare your firearms business for success from day one.

What You'll Discover:

• Essential Documents: How to properly obtain and complete your ATF Form FD-258 fingerprint cards (critical note on physical vs. electronic prints!) and 2"x2" passport-style photographs.

• Cracking Zoning Compliance: The often-frustrating hunt for local approval. Learn who to contact in your city hall, county planning department, or zoning department and why written documentation is non-negotiable for your home-based FFL.

• Assembling Your ATF Form 7: A detailed walkthrough of preparing your FFL application packet, including the $200 application fee and shipping recommendations for secure delivery.

• The Post-Submission Timeline: Understand the approximate lead times from submission to your ATF interview and ultimately, FFL issuance. Patience is key!

• Mastering the ATF Interview: Get prepared for the Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) visit. Learn what to expect, from discussions on your business plan and zoning compliance to questions about firearms security measures (safes, alarms), record-keeping (bound book), NICS background checks, and overall federal firearms laws adherence.

Preparation is vital. Watch the full video to ensure you have all supporting documents organized, and are knowledgeable about FFL regulations before you submit your application.