Gunsmith Business Startup Guide
Get the compliance right before you spend a dollar. This 27-page guide walks through exactly when you need an FFL, the real difference between a Type 01 dealer licence and a Type 07 manufacturer licence, the ATF Form 7 process step by step, and the bound-book rules that keep a licence alive — plus six working templates to run the shop with.
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What It Covers
The exact federal definition of when gunsmithing requires a licence, and why "occasional" work is riskier than people think. Type 01 vs. Type 07 — the purpose test, in ATF's own words, plus current fees. Zoning, the ATF Form 7 process, the in-person interview, and what actually keeps a licence alive: the bound book, the same-day/overnight rule, and current federal record-retention requirements. Realistic startup costs, what the trade actually pays, and where the accessible work is.
Six Working Templates
- Startup checklist
- Equipment and budget worksheet
- Pricing and estimate template
- Invoice template
- Job log and lead tracker
- Compliance and safety page
This guide gives you the framework. The full Gunsmith Business Plan ($27) adds a repair intake and custody record for A&D compliance, a bench job pricing calculator, a Type 01 vs. Type 07 decision guide, the ATF Form 7 walkthrough, and a first-90-days plan. See what’s inside the plan →