Engraved Guns - Spoke with Attorney

[Mark Greenbaum]

Another restriction is: You must have a separate physical business mailing address form you residence, because of receiving guns or parts through the mail is not deemed legal. I was set to become a gun hand engraver about 10 years ago, and the FBI and ATF gave my fee back, because I was going to operate the business in my shop in the basement. I would love to get into hand engraving guns for the money and artistic canvas, but dealing with the ATF & FBI is very restricting. Any inquiries I get on the phone, I just say, " I cannot hand engrave your weapon, you'll have to contact a local gunsmith or dealer, for reference to an FFL licensed hand engraver." It might just happen to be a local ATF or FBI agent on the other end setting a trap. I like to have life, not in prison, thank you.

[Tim Bateson]

Another restriction is: You must have a separate physical business mailing address form you residence...

Not true. I work out of my house and have an FFL. The ATF doesn't care where you do business, just as long as you ONLY do it at the address specified on the FFL.

[Bill George]

Not true. I work out of my house and have an FFL. The ATF doesn't care where you do business, just as long as you ONLY do it at the address specified on the FFL.

Correct and FFL holders can ship firearms USPS but must be Priority Mail.

[Gary Hair]

Another restriction is: You must have a separate physical business mailing address form you residence, because of receiving guns or parts through the mail is not deemed legal. I was set to become a gun hand engraver about 10 years ago, and the FBI and ATF gave my fee back, because I was going to operate the business in my shop in the basement. I would love to get into hand engraving guns for the money and artistic canvas, but dealing with the ATF & FBI is very restricting. Any inquiries I get on the phone, I just say, " I cannot hand engrave your weapon, you'll have to contact a local gunsmith or dealer, for reference to an FFL licensed hand engraver." It might just happen to be a local ATF or FBI agent on the other end setting a trap. I like to have life, not in prison, thank you.

The first two years I had my FFL were while I was running the business from my home. They had no problem with that at all. Maybe it was different 10 years ago, but it's not like that now.

[John Lifer]

A couple of things, under the Clinton administration and for a while afterwards, The batfe was actively trying to reduce ffl holders, and they didn't want to license home based businesses. That changed under Bush and I'm home based also, Mark go get your license and start Engraving. Laser or hand.
Kev, section C. That you highlighted is in response to gun owners who buy and sell part of their collection. Again, here and in later section what is occasionally? Batfe doesn't know, get your license it don't do guns.

And logging in a book is required if that owner walks out your door an you have the gun in your possession!