What year is this ?
I thought the number had decreased far below this, since the BATFE started making it more difficult to have an FFL -- for instance, they must have a "place of business" and can not operate out of their homes.
I just googled for a number and it was rather old. It could have been reduced significantly since then, but even if it's half that number, the point remains the same.
since the BATFE started making it more difficult to have an FFL -- for instance, they must have a "place of business" and can not operate out of their homes.
I bought a handgun from a friend a little over a year ago who operates out of his home.
I have another friend who applied for an FFL a bit over a year ago and while he does have a "place of business", he specifically asked if it was required in his interview with the ATF and he was told that it was not.
However, it's definitely better to have a "place of business" that isn't your home if you want to avoid the ATF showing up in your home to audit you and ensure that the weapons are being properly stored.
I had also heard the rumor that FFL holders were going to be unable to sell out of their homes. It appears to have been nothing more than a rumor, or perhaps the ATF changed their mind after they received some unhappy feedback.