Chattanooga Shooting Supply also has several exclusives and is more of a one-stop distributor. Pay attention to shipping rates and card fees as well, they eat up your small margin quickly. Plan ahead or bundle orders if possible. Watch for sales or specials like free hazmat, they come up periodically and can make a big difference.
@@tradesmanfirearms It's tough with no road map and trial and error sucks! Great work with your series, just found you a few days ago while looking into SDI. Appreciate your thoughtful approach.
@@TreasureValleyArmsLLC thanks. I tried for sure. It’s been a while since I posted. Going through the burn out phase right now, hoping to dive back into hyper fixation here real quick!
Thank you for the information. Currently waiting on the ATF interview. Will definitely use you as my reference when applying for distributors thanks a bunch
Hey brother, great video. I’m about to finish my degree with SDI next month and went ahead and already signed up for their handgun certificate program. I got my FFL last year and just like a blind man at an orgy, I had to feel my way around. (Stolen from the late Leslie Nielson). When you said you weren’t able to get an account with Zander’s, I was surprised because I did and I don’t have a store front. I also reached out to Timney triggers but they denied me. I guess it really just comes down to who you speak with. I called most of the distributors I applied with to ask questions and just about all of them were receptive to me. It would have been nice for SDI to have some classes on this subject, as well as maintaining a gun log or how to apply for and maintain an SOT. These aren’t areas where learning the hard way pays off.
I haven’t done my SOT yet, but I’m seriously considering it here real soon. I am working on putting together my “Commercial” office space out in my shop, I’m gonna re-approach Zander’s when I have that space complete. Thanks for posting this, gives people a good perspective.
@@tradesmanfirearms Zanders is really good about posing the MAP and MSRP together. It gives you a great view of the profit margin between retail and sales deals. Definitely call them. Well worth the time to re-engage.
I know, this part of getting an FFL is really a huge secret for some reason. There’s not really any information on it. If I disappear in the next few days never to be hear from again, you’ll know why.
Davidsons definitely works with Homebased. Zanders says they don’t but I have been contacted several times recently and people have been telling me to reengage because they got accounts set up with them. I think it’s about who you talk to.
@@tradesmanfirearms thank you!! I plan on opening up a gunsmith shop after I finish the SDI pistol course I start that on March 18. I already did the gunsmith course and I will finish the associates program March 10.
Great video. Really appreciate the insight. Just wanted to let you know I started my home based FFL business here in SC back in April 2024 and was able to get a Zanders account. I can send you the account rep name if interested.
I used Shopify because I thought maybe someday I’d do drop shipping. It was hosted on google but I think it got sold to square space. I pay an annual fee to google/square space and a monthly fee to Shopify that is negligible.
Do you need an FFL to do gunsmithing? Like could I get my degree an do gunsmithing out of my garage without an FFL? Or do I need to do gunsmithing under an FFL?
@@curtismurphy5231it's not just about keeping a firearm overnight, although that is true. You need an FFL to "engage in the business". Meaning, to charge money or make money from engaging in the sale of a firearm or performing gunsmithing services for a customer. If you plan on never charging anyone or just working on your own guns or occasionally going unpaid work for your buddies, no you don't need an FFL from the perspective of the ATF, local laws may have different requirements.
@@tradesmanfirearms you did not answer his question man. He asked if he needs an FFL to do gunsmithing. He did not ask if he needed an FFL to do gunsmithing on another person's firearm/s. Same assumption? Maybe, but assumption, nonetheless. You do not need an FFL to do gunsmithing is the correct and direct answer. When doing gunsmithing as a business, then obviously you need the FFL to operate on another person's firearms, or when selling firearms. Not that we should have to hold an FFL 'under' the vision of an illegal federal entity such as the ATF.
Franchi? If this is the "small American rifle company" you're referring to that isnt responding to you, I hope you understand that Franchi is 0% American and is a subsidiary of Benelli, made in the same plant as Benelli in Italy and just has a US based office for US sales and warranty work.
@@lennythelizard3856 Beretta Holdings Group owns Benelli. Benelli owns the Franchi, Stoeger and Uberti companies. Beretta the firearms company is also owned by the Beretta Holdings Group which is the umbrella to them all. So, yes and no to Beretta owning Franchi.
@@tradesmanfirearms I’m already on Davidson’s, Lypsys, PSA, AR15Discounts. Is it really worth doing MGE still? Also just emailed Kiesler, pretty excited about that one. PA denied my account because I said I plan on doing manufacturing for dealer to dealer sales so note that. They only want you to sell to consumers. But, yah. Thanks man.
@Tradesman Firearms do you know the damage you are doing by referring United States veterans to SDI? It is a complete and utter waste of nearly 22k. SDI rakes in multi-millions of dollars teaching online gunsmithing courses and they are terrible instructors teaching a bunch of irrelevant crap. I strongly urge anyone that has intentions of pursuing ANY sort of gunsmithing to find a 'real' instructor and do it in person. Nobody is going to take a certificate or a degree from SDI seriously. At best, you will be able to work the line at Ruger for a little better than min. wage.
@@jason200912 Exactly right but the only problem with degrees in machining is the length of time. Not an easy feat nor is metallurgy. Blacksmithing, welding, fabricating aka generic name metalworking. Some of the engineers are well versed with metals much of the time having a metallurgy degree and machining degree or bridging programs. Wish I had taken some courses while I was in the military before retiring out and not having a useful skillset other than security.
Chattanooga Shooting Supply also has several exclusives and is more of a one-stop distributor. Pay attention to shipping rates and card fees as well, they eat up your small margin quickly. Plan ahead or bundle orders if possible. Watch for sales or specials like free hazmat, they come up periodically and can make a big difference.
Thanks man! I’ll check them out!
Great advice too.
@@tradesmanfirearms It's tough with no road map and trial and error sucks! Great work with your series, just found you a few days ago while looking into SDI. Appreciate your thoughtful approach.
@@TreasureValleyArmsLLC thanks. I tried for sure. It’s been a while since I posted. Going through the burn out phase right now, hoping to dive back into hyper fixation here real quick!
Thank you for the information. Currently waiting on the ATF interview. Will definitely use you as my reference when applying for distributors thanks a bunch
Good luck!
Good luck on your interview, I just had mine a few weeks ago, waiting on the mailbox now.
You honestly only need to give them 1 name and you're good to go
Dude. This video was so incredibly valuable. Thank you for your time and the information you provided. Please keep doing what you're doing!
I’m really glad it helped!
Thanks for this video, greatly appreciate it. Got my dealer folder set to go.
Nice!
I’m homebased and Zander’s is one of my distributors.
@@vlasheaperez5908 yea I have them now, not sure why I never heard back from them in the beginning.
@@tradesmanfirearms Great!
They seem to be among the top 3 in pricing.
Awesome video, thank you for putting this together 🙏
Thank you for the information, I truly appreciate your time for making this informative video, helps a lot.
I’m glad it helped.
I am very glad it helped!
Thank you, I am turning in my final assignment tonight for SDI fte 211
I truly am sorry about the 22k in wasted money.
I strongly urge veterans to research much better options regarding gunsmithing schools.
Great info! Thank you for doing this.
Hey brother, great video. I’m about to finish my degree with SDI next month and went ahead and already signed up for their handgun certificate program. I got my FFL last year and just like a blind man at an orgy, I had to feel my way around. (Stolen from the late Leslie Nielson). When you said you weren’t able to get an account with Zander’s, I was surprised because I did and I don’t have a store front. I also reached out to Timney triggers but they denied me. I guess it really just comes down to who you speak with. I called most of the distributors I applied with to ask questions and just about all of them were receptive to me.
It would have been nice for SDI to have some classes on this subject, as well as maintaining a gun log or how to apply for and maintain an SOT. These aren’t areas where learning the hard way pays off.
I haven’t done my SOT yet, but I’m seriously considering it here real soon. I am working on putting together my “Commercial” office space out in my shop, I’m gonna re-approach Zander’s when I have that space complete. Thanks for posting this, gives people a good perspective.
@@tradesmanfirearms Zanders is really good about posing the MAP and MSRP together. It gives you a great view of the profit margin between retail and sales deals. Definitely call them. Well worth the time to re-engage.
@@adamdoyle3990 thanks!
sorry about the wasted 22k.
Thanks for this information. It seems like there isn't much information on this, I feel it was one of the few things SDI didn't help much with.
I know, this part of getting an FFL is really a huge secret for some reason. There’s not really any information on it. If I disappear in the next few days never to be hear from again, you’ll know why.
Great info. Thanks a lot.
You are more than welcome!
I’m going to get with you this afternoon on some others.
Sure! More is better!
Talked to someone a Davidson at Shot Show this year and he said they can set up something for home FFL but you should call and speak to someone.
Davidsons definitely works with Homebased. Zanders says they don’t but I have been contacted several times recently and people have been telling me to reengage because they got accounts set up with them. I think it’s about who you talk to.
Great video 👍🏾
Thanks man, this was a nice video
Great information!! What type of FFL would I need if I wanted to do gunsmith work and custom builds?
In order to build your own custom rifles you should probably get a type 7 which is what I have.
@@tradesmanfirearms thank you!! I plan on opening up a gunsmith shop after I finish the SDI pistol course I start that on March 18. I already did the gunsmith course and I will finish the associates program March 10.
@@charlescarroll2173 great! If you have any other questions or suggestions for videos that will help others let me know.
You do not need any license to build firearms, custom or not. The license would cover the sale of firearms.
Great video. Really appreciate the insight. Just wanted to let you know I started my home based FFL business here in SC back in April 2024 and was able to get a Zanders account. I can send you the account rep name if interested.
what website creator did you use to make your page? also do you pay monthly for the website?
I used Shopify because I thought maybe someday I’d do drop shipping. It was hosted on google but I think it got sold to square space. I pay an annual fee to google/square space and a monthly fee to Shopify that is negligible.
Just create a google blog lol. Cheap and free.
How was rsr not mentioned
@@PromoCamllc rsr?! My ears are peaked! Drop a link I’m always down to find more vendors!
Do you need an FFL if you want to sell accessories or just uppers?
Nope!
I cant save this video for later, is it blocked or something?
Shouldn’t be?
@@tradesmanfirearms ok, maybe its a service issue or me
Do you need an FFL to do gunsmithing? Like could I get my degree an do gunsmithing out of my garage without an FFL? Or do I need to do gunsmithing under an FFL?
You need an FFL to keep a gun overnight. Also the FFL will let you get accounts with business that sell parts cheap.
@@tradesmanfirearms so I can work on guns as long as I don’t keep them overnight. Atleast until I get an FFL?
@@curtismurphy5231it's not just about keeping a firearm overnight, although that is true. You need an FFL to "engage in the business". Meaning, to charge money or make money from engaging in the sale of a firearm or performing gunsmithing services for a customer. If you plan on never charging anyone or just working on your own guns or occasionally going unpaid work for your buddies, no you don't need an FFL from the perspective of the ATF, local laws may have different requirements.
@@tradesmanfirearms you did not answer his question man. He asked if he needs an FFL to do gunsmithing. He did not ask if he needed an FFL to do gunsmithing on another person's firearm/s. Same assumption? Maybe, but assumption, nonetheless.
You do not need an FFL to do gunsmithing is the correct and direct answer. When doing gunsmithing as a business, then obviously you need the FFL to operate on another person's firearms, or when selling firearms. Not that we should have to hold an FFL 'under' the vision of an illegal federal entity such as the ATF.
You need the gunowner to be present while you work on their receiver. The receiver is a firearm. The rest are not firearms.
Let’s gooo!! 🤘🏽
Franchi? If this is the "small American rifle company" you're referring to that isnt responding to you, I hope you understand that Franchi is 0% American and is a subsidiary of Benelli, made in the same plant as Benelli in Italy and just has a US based office for US sales and warranty work.
Interesting thanks. Either why no one from their site ever got back to me. I wonder if there are any distributors that work with them.
Beretta*
@@lennythelizard3856 Beretta Holdings Group owns Benelli. Benelli owns the Franchi, Stoeger and Uberti companies. Beretta the firearms company is also owned by the Beretta Holdings Group which is the umbrella to them all. So, yes and no to Beretta owning Franchi.
Is it wrong that I’m not into the transfer thing outside of friends. $20 just isn’t worth a 4473 to me.
@@jondoe399 not at all, I’ve heard of people charging 50.00 or more just to discourage transfers.
@@tradesmanfirearms I’m already on Davidson’s, Lypsys, PSA, AR15Discounts. Is it really worth doing MGE still? Also just emailed Kiesler, pretty excited about that one. PA denied my account because I said I plan on doing manufacturing for dealer to dealer sales so note that. They only want you to sell to consumers. But, yah. Thanks man.
That BCA comment didn’t age well.
Really? Is there news I don’t know about? I hadn’t heard anything.
@@tradesmanfirearms They use illegal immigrant labor and some of there uppers aren’t safe to shoot.
@Tradesman Firearms do you know the damage you are doing by referring United States veterans to SDI?
It is a complete and utter waste of nearly 22k. SDI rakes in multi-millions of dollars teaching online gunsmithing courses and they are terrible instructors teaching a bunch of irrelevant crap.
I strongly urge anyone that has intentions of pursuing ANY sort of gunsmithing to find a 'real' instructor and do it in person.
Nobody is going to take a certificate or a degree from SDI seriously. At best, you will be able to work the line at Ruger for a little better than min. wage.
Yeah It sucks compared to a machinist degree which can be used for everything
@@jason200912 Exactly right but the only problem with degrees in machining is the length of time. Not an easy feat nor is metallurgy. Blacksmithing, welding, fabricating aka generic name metalworking.
Some of the engineers are well versed with metals much of the time having a metallurgy degree and machining degree or bridging programs. Wish I had taken some courses while I was in the military before retiring out and not having a useful skillset other than security.
I’m going to get with you this afternoon on some others.
I’m sure I missed some good ones. But hopefully I had some you were missing too!
Any others you may have missed?