4 Essential Tips on Gunsmithing Regulations

If manufacturing and trading of firearms had long been heavily regulated, gunsmithing used to be less constrained by onerous rules. Since the 1990s, that has changed. Gunsmiths are now subject to quite a few regulations, and they must be equally aware of laws and regulations affecting their customers.

Zoning

On the most basic level for regulations, a new gunsmith shop must deal with zoning. Since FFL is now necessary for gunsmiths to take even temporary possession of customer firearms, they are subject to the same restrictions as gun shops. Many jurisdictions regulate where such stores may be located. For a home-based workshop, residential zoning may have to be amended as well. With caustic bluing and similar, EPA regulations on chemical use and disposal may apply.

SOT Status

Besides the regular FFL, many gunsmiths find a special occupational taxpayer (SOT) status necessary to work on NFA items like machine guns, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and sound suppressors. Moreover, ATF now defines most gunsmithing actions — milling, refinishing — as “manufacturing”, requiring 07 FFL.

ATF web site provides numerous documents listing requirements, but the smiths must do their own research. Several industry groups track changes and updates, propagating them to individual gunsmiths. Many ATF agents are quite helpful with understanding the requirements.

Insurance

An oft-overlooked factor is property and liability insurance. In case of fire destroying customer guns, or an accident with a repaired or modified firearm could otherwise ruin the business. In general, basic business classes are essential. Too many people fix and upgrade guns for the love of the art, while neglecting financial sustainability.

State Laws

Tracking regional rules and regulations allows advising customers on the legalities of their requests. For example, getting a request for muzzle threading from California, it would be easy to run afoul of their regulations. Many gunsmiths just avoid orders from questionable states due to their laws being ever shifting, and their prosecutors being quick to point the finger.

Make sure to do your research. Best of luck!

Written by: Oleg Volk, Firearms Photographer