You're being dishonest. Yes. I do the same on my W-4. I am being dishonest.
See? That's not so hard.
Now, repeat after me. Applying for a federal license to buy and sell guns when you have have absolutely no intention whatsoever to buy and sell guns (merely to obtain them for yourself at a discounted price) is dishonest.
The wholesalers don't express any concerns about individuals with FFLs getting discounts; actually, many encourage it. In fact, most give such discounts to known Type 03 FFL holders (I am one) - a gen-ew-wine FFL license which expressly prohibits "dealing".
If it's legal, and encouraged, and nobody is complaining, and nobody feels cheated, what's your problem? Name ONE wholesaler who gave "kitchen table" FFLs wholesale prices and was upset about it.
As the other poster pointed out, you need this license to repair or customize firearms. What other way can one legally do this without being "dishonest"?
- Go to this BATFE web page and follow the instructions to get a Form 7.
- Fill out the Form 7, checking off request for Type 03 C&R FFL as appropriate, and follow related directions.
- Submit the form with $30 and any supporting paperwork required.
- Receive your Type 03 FFL.
Upon doing this, you may send a signed copy to any interested wholesaler, who will subsequently give you wholesale pricing on whatever they sell. Both the wholesaler and the gov't will not expect you to, nay will expect you to NOT, engage in any business regarding whatever you buy therewith. Nothing is deceitful, as you'd be doing with it exactly what it is meant for and exactly what it plainly indicates to the wholesaler & feds.
Yes, it's a real FFL license, just with no "dealing" and addresses antiques and curios (no "modern" weapons). The only difference in law is that the Type 01 lets you deal, and handle modern weapons; the BATFE unilaterally chose to limit "dealing" to storefronts with posted hours.
I have one, so I do have a clue about this.