I was one of those evil "kitchen table" dealers. We had a friend of the family that was an ATF Agent, and he helped me through the licensing process. I tried to be meticulous in my record keeping and was complimented after every audit. When I transferred to Atlanta, I went to the county commissioner about a zoning variance for the new location. I had carefully picked a county based on millage rates, crime stats, and political demographics. Unfortunately, we had moved about a month after a school shooting. The commissioner said that normally our county would be no problem, but I would need to pay the required $350 for a zoning hearing, place a large sign in the yard for two weeks stating the nature of the business, and if one neighbor raised an objection, the variance would be denied. We live less than a mile from a school. Oh well.

I contacted the BATFE. The looked up my records and actually expressed disappointment that I was going out of business. I transferred the balance of inventory to my private collection, and sent all records to them.

They said if I ever received a variance or obtained a "store front" they would re-instate my license. I'm too old now, too much competition, and too many industry political "issues" to start over. I'm happy trying to fly under the radar now.

It was fun, but "been there, done that" and I've moved on.

Speaking only for me, but every Agent I ever dealt with was the epitome of a courteous professional. I personally never had any problems with the ATF.