Insight Precision Arms is an FFL dealer.  “FFL” stands for Federal Firearms License, a mandatory requirement in the US for those wishing to legally sell, import, or manufacture firearms as part of their business. The term “FFL” also commonly denotes the holder of such a license, known as a Federal Firearms Licensee. Thus, “FFL” can refer to either the license itself or its holder, and the terms are often used interchangeably.  Furthermore, an “FFL transfer” involves a licensed firearms dealer transferring a firearm to another licensee prior to the eventual transfer to a customer or a non-licensee. In simple terms, you cannot send a gun to a non-licensee directly. The sale has to go through a licensed dealer to facilitate the exchange.

Contact us to discuss your transfer.  We can help!

How Does an FFL Transfer Work?

When an individual buys a gun from an FFL dealer, federal gun laws require that dealer to run a background check on the buyer. The process of an FFL transfer is dependent on this background check, as prospective buyers who do not pass will not be eligible to proceed with the transfer. That said, the five steps listed below comprise the process of an FFL transfer.

Step 1: Review gun’s eligibility

First, the FFL holder verifies that the gun is legally eligible for transfer to the buyer.

Step 2: Initiate the transfer with an ATF form

The buyer fills out an ATF Form 4473. This form asks for basic information about the buyer, including their name, address, and date of birth.

Step 3: Background check

Next, the FFL dealer from whom the buyer is purchasing runs a background check on the buyer through either the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) or their state’s background check system.

Step 4: Review the background check results

If the background check comes back with a “clear” result, the FFL dealer moves on to Step 5. However, if the background check comes back with a “delay” or “proceed” result, the FFL dealer must wait three days, at which point the NICS delivers its final decision. If NICS does not render a decision within three days, the FFL dealer may move on to Step 5.

Step 5: Pay for the Gun and Complete the Transfer

After completing any paperwork necessary to finalize the transaction, the buyer pays for the gun. At this point, the FFL holder transfers the gun to the buyer. The FFL transfer is complete!

What is an NFA transfer?

NFA stands for National Firearms Act and the firearms considered controlled by the NFA are:

1. A shotgun having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length;
2. A weapon made from a shotgun if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length;
3. A rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length;
4. A weapon made from a rifle if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length;
5. Any other weapon, as defined in subsection (e);
6. A machinegun;
7. Any silencer (as defined in section 921 of title 18, United States Code); and
8. A destructive device.

[26 U.S.C. 5845; 27 CFR 479.11] ATF website.

How long does an FFL transfer take?

The length of time it takes to complete an FFL transfer varies depending on a number of factors. From the moment you submits the ATF Form 4473 to the point at which you are the legal owner of the weapon, can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.  Call us for more specific time frames.