They had no intention of buying and selling guns retail. Maintaining an inventory. Providing a service.
It was a scam. You admit it was a scam. A way to get guns cheap. You think that's honest?
The BATF has obtained convictions *for engaging in the busness of the sale of firearms without a license* for as few as three guns...and has brought charges that were not sustained for as few as one.
When that's how the ATTU/BATF/BATFE so defines *dealing* in firearms, it becomes real understandable why some some collectors and retired part-time dealers tried to jump through every hoop, dot every eye and cross every tee in their attempts to insure their compliance witrh the law. Unfortunately for them, the BATFE keeps changing their *findings* administrative judgements* and *opinions of policy* on just how they'll enforce those laws...and upon whom.
As well they should. And I'm sure you agree, being law abiding and all.
"it becomes real understandable why some some collectors and retired part-time dealers tried to jump through every hoop"
The operative word is "dealer". Not someone who's calling themselves a dealer to get a discount.