just a quick question.
 

I want to start doing custom ar builds to make some extra money. Would i need an ffl to do this?

Many of us build our own ARs. If you buy a stripped lower, that is legally a firearm. It has the serial number already on it. Unless you are planning on manufacturing the stripped lower yourself there shouldnt be a problem.

Then again if you plan on buying and selling to make a profit that is another area I am not familiar with.

I recently bought a palmetto and several of my coworkers are jealous and want an AR of their own but dont have the money. Since Ive known the AR platform for quite some time i thought i might help out and build them for a bit cheaper and just get reimbursed plus a little extra for labor and time.

I would suggest that you get an FFL and business license.

Modifications can be construed as "manufacturing"

If you are "engaged in the business" of buying and selling guns, you need a Dealer's FFL. MAKING a firearm for sale- manufacturer's FFL.

"Engaged in the business" means devoting time and attention to it with the intention of making a livelihood. So says the ATF.

If I buy a gun, later decide I like something else and want to sell it- NOT engaged in the business. Even if I make a small profit.

I buy 6 guns, resell 5 of them to my friends in a short time- you are engaging in the business. There is no set number of guns or time. I know of one man charged after selling one gun. Bought it dirt cheap at a gun show, IMMEDIATELY put it up for sale at a higher price. Guy that sold it to him was an ATF agent.

"devoting time and attention to it with the intention of making a livelihood"

C3, couldn't that part cover other people as well? For instance, armorers, instructors, competitive shooters?

This is more a curiosity thing than anything else.

The people you mention arent selling firearms but firearm related products and services. Big difference

Well, C3 said " "Engaged in the business" means devoting time and attention to it with the intention of making a livelihood. So says the ATF."

That line doesn't specifically say sales, that's why I asked.

its referring to sales of actual firearms.

Dang. Thats a lot of info. Id just be be buying stripped receivers and building them from there. So a manufacturers ffl and a business license would pretty much do it?