FFLSafe Review: Free FFL Software?

Firearms dealers know that managing inventory and keeping up with the books can be a daunting and overwhelming task. But there’s a new software out there specifically designed to help smaller FFLs get the job done.

FFLSafe is a no-cost package with most of the features you need to manage firearms while simultaneously keeping you out of trouble with the ATF (and that’s a good thing).

This free toolset might sound too good to be true so we did what we do best…and tested it out.

We’ll run you through our in-depth conversation with its co-founder and take a tour of the suite to see if it really meets the needs of a burgeoning FFL.

Is a free FFL program worthy of your consideration? Keep reading to find out!

FFLSafe

$

at FFLSafe

Prices accurate at time of writing

$ at FFLSafe

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

• 25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
  Copied! Visit Merchant

How We Tested FFLSafe

We spoke at length with FFLSafe co-founder Ryan Cleckner, a constitutional law and firearms attorney. Cleckner ran us through the history of this software and what features really stand out for small FFLs.

From there, we were provided a log-in so we could test the FFLSafe platform out for ourselves. We spent a few weeks logging in and playing around with the software to check out its features and test its limitations.

Sean Curtis is at the helm of this review. In addition to an illustrious career in law enforcement spanning over two decades, Sean also held a home-based FFL for several years. He used various programs to manage inventory, run Form 4473s, and conduct background checks while staying compliant with applicable laws.

What is FFLSafe & Where Did It Come From?

So, what is FFLSafe? FFLSafe is a free software that simplifies compliance for firearms dealers.

While other FFL software exists on the market, some of it is complicated and takes a lot of practice and familiarization before you can fully utilize it. The creators of FFLSafe wanted something different — software that was easy to use and understand.

Beyond just building something intuitive, FFLSafe’s creators also wanted to ease the financial burden on FFLs by creating something entirely free. Yeah, you heard that right, free.

Having litigated several cases in defense of FFLs pursued by the ATF, Cleckner said that staying compliant with regulations should cost you.

“It shouldn’t cost money to stay out of trouble with the ATF,” Cleckner told Pew Pew Tactical.

In short, FFLSafe is a free program that keeps you compliant while saving you money by avoiding legal troubles altogether.

FFLSafe Features

FFLSafe’s A&D Bound Book

One of the first features I checked out was the A&D Bound Book. This is the log of acquisitions and dispositions for firearms FFLs manage regularly.

The FFLSafe Bound Book is simple and pretty easy to use. Adding firearms is easy, and inventory items include a history of where they came from and where they went.

FFL managers can easily handle transfers, working from a list of contacts, much like other software suites. One of the great things about the program is that it tracks the FFL associated with each contact, whether it’s another gun store, wholesaler, or manufacturer.

In addition, it will automatically check to make sure that FFL is still valid. This is another protective feature that will prevent problems.

Each contact also has a transaction history that remains as accurate as your inputs. You can update an address for a contact if need be, but the change won’t retroactively affect previous transaction records.

The A&D Bound Book is one page, containing handy filters like in stock, government agency, etc. Plus, there is a universal search tool that will help you find whatever you’re looking for.

FFLSafe also includes an ATF inspection feature, allowing the agency to check out your business. Most importantly, this mode does not allow editing while still allowing access to all critical information.

Backing Up Records with FFLSafe

Another crucial compliance issue concerns the backup of FFL records. The ATF requires cloud-based software to back up every 24 hours.

Some current FFL suites don’t have this feature and require additional expenses and complications. FFLSafe is 100% compliant with this requirement by offering a free, downloadable add-on that automatically downloads your database.

One recent addition to FFLSafe is the ability to run 4473s, the main paperwork required for the transfer of firearms. When these are completed by the customer, the system prompts you to print and download the document, then jumps you to the bound book, revealing the latest line.

One of my favorite features is the Invitation Code. When your customer is ready to complete the 4473, FFLSafe sends an invitation to their phone, allowing them to complete the whole process on their device.

It prompts customers to answer all the pertinent questions and then allows them to sign their own screen with a finger.

FFLSafe ATF Compliance Membership

The FFLSafe ATF Compliance Membership brings you exclusive access to an entire library of topics that are commonly confronted issues FFLs face on a regular basis — topics like filling out forms, recording, auditing, compliance, and more.

There are over 20,000 words and tutorial videos on the Form 4473 alone.

Cleckner warned, “Why pay me a lot of money after you get into trouble?” He illustrated how an FFL can find themselves in trouble based on how they record the manufacturer Glock in transactions. “Glock” only refers to Austrian-made firearms, whereas “Glock Inc.” represents the same guns but manufactured in America. The ATF also considers the specific model to be “19” even though the Glock’s box labels it as “G19.”

In total, members get instant access to:

• On-demand ATF compliance courses
• Downloadable forms, templates, and guides
• Monthly live Q&A with firearms attorneys
• Real-time ATF updates and industry changes
• Access to all future courses and updates

But all of this comes at a cost…

Membership runs $285 per year. That said, if you’re unsure about the Compliance Membership, you can try it for up to 60 days, and if you don’t like it, FFLSafe will refund your investment in full.

Who Is FFLSafe For?

FFLSafe will be a great value for anyone but would be most applicable to smaller FFLs. There currently isn’t an interface for a point of sale (POS) system. Larger FFLs that utilize barcode scanners for inventory or frequently receive batch orders will find the program lacking, though that capability is currently being developed.

FFLSafe

$

at FFLSafe

Prices accurate at time of writing

$ at FFLSafe

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

• 25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
  Copied! Visit Merchant

Final Verdict

In the years I ran my side business and FFL, I marveled at the bureaucracy I had to navigate to get it started and keep it running. I didn’t have software designed with input from an experienced firearms attorney who has gone toe-to-toe with the ATF.

FFLSafe is a comprehensive software package that does everything smaller FFLs need while keeping them from violating federal laws. Even better, it’s completely free.

Will you be adopting this free software? Let us know in the comments below. And if you’d like to start your own FFL, check out [How-To] Get Your FFL License: Step-By-Step Guide!