Federal Firearms Licenses - Definitions of the Various FFL and SOT License Types

Ever since the gun control act of 1968 was9 Dealer in destructive devices--$3000
passed, the manufacture and sale of firearms is10 Manufacturer of firearms, ammunition and
only possible by those in possession of a Federalammunition components, including NFA destructive
Firearms License, (FFL). In order to obtain one ofdevices but no other NFA items, and not including
these licenses, an application must be filed witharmor piercing ammunition
the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and11 Importer of firearms, ammunition and NFA
Explosives. This form is known as ATF form 7,destructive devices, but no other NFA items
and can cover a number of different types ofFor NFA, (National Firearms Act of 1934),
licenses. An outline of the different types andfirearms and ammunition the classification is as
special operation tax classes, (SOT) for NFAfollows:
firearms are listed and outlined below.Class--Usage
First, the FFL license types:Class 1 Importer of NFA firearms
Type--Description--FeeClass 2 Manufacturer of NFA firearms
1 Dealer in firearms, for other than destructiveClass 3 Dealer of NFA firearms
devices--$200One thing to note is that all firearms licenses are
2 Pawnbroker for firearms, other thanvalid for a period of three years (3), and are
destructive devices--$200non-transferable.
3 Collector of Curio & Relic (C&R)While at first this classification scheme may
firearms. Only for collecting and not to be usedappear overly complex, if you spend a little time
for buying and selling--$30.00reading the law, it will start to make sense. If
6 Manufacturer of ammunition and reloadingnothing else, i hope this brief outline will provide
components other than armor piercing ammunitionyou with a much deeper appreciation for the
NFA, destructive--$150.00complexity involved with obtaining and maintaining
7 Manufacturer of firearms, ammunition andfederal firearms licenses. If you're interested in
ammunition components other than NFA,obtaining a federal firearms license, try not to be
Destructive Devices and Armor Piercingdissuaded by all the requirements.. Take your
Ammunitiontime, do your research, and seek out help when
8 Importer of firearms and ammunition otherneeded. It's a very rewarding and profitable
than destructive devices--150$venture that will pay off for years to come.