How SDI Students Receive Firearms: An Overview of the Federal Firearms License Process

At Sonoran Desert Institute, we provide students with all the tools, parts, and educational materials needed to excel in their studies. As part of their curriculum, students will occasionally receive parts regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Here are the essentials that SDI students need to know about the FFL transfer process and to receive serialized firearm parts during their coursework.

What Serialized Parts Will SDI Students Receive?

Students enrolled in the Associate of Science in Firearms Technology program or the Certificate in Firearms Technology – Gunsmithing are required to complete one elective course. Among the elective options, three courses involve hands-on components with regulated, serialized firearm parts requiring a Federal Firearms License (FFL) transfer. The courses that require an FFL transfer are:

• FTE 211 (1911 Advanced Armorer)
• FTE 217 (Modern Sporting Rifle)
• FTE 218 (Pump Shotgun Armorer)

Additionally, students enrolled in the Handgun Specialist Certificate Program will receive regulated parts in:

• FTH 202 (Revolvers)
• FTH 212 (Striker-Fired Pistols)
• FTH 223 (Hammer-Fired Pistols)

For a deeper understanding of how SDI chooses the firearms and parts used in these courses, check out our detailed exploration in “Taking an Inside Look at SDI’s Firearms Selection Process.”

How to Receive Serialized Parts: The FFL Transfer Process

While most course materials are shipped directly to students, serialized parts for select courses are ATF-regulated and require FFL transfers. This involves shipping to a local FFL dealer for students to pick up, or directly to students who possess their own FFL. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process:

Step 1: Select an FFL

Approximately 40 days before a relevant course begins, SDI will email students a link to an FFL Designation Request Form. After submission, SDI will coordinate directly with the selected FFL to exchange necessary licenses and details. For a detailed understanding of what an FFL transfer involves, visit the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Best Practices page on FFL transfers.

If students have an established relationship with a local FFL, they may use that FFL as their designated dealer. For those new to the process, SDI offers a directory in the student portal to help students locate FFLs nearby.

Helpful Tips: Providing a direct email address and phone number can streamline the process and improve communication.

Step 2: Contact Your FFL

Students should contact their selected FFL in advance to discuss the transfer, confirm operating hours, and inquire about any specific requirements or fees. Not all FFLs are familiar with SDI, so it is helpful for students to mention their enrollment at the school when discussing the transfer.

Step 3: Complete the Background Check and Receive Your Part

Once SDI has received the necessary FFL details, we will ship the serialized part to the student’s FFL. The FFL will then contact the student when the item is ready for pickup. Before taking it home, students must pass a background check, typically through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), although some states use their own systems.

Note that certain states also have mandatory waiting periods before a student can take possession of a firearm. The FFL can help students navigate any specific state regulations.

Handling Lost or Damaged Serialized Parts

Though uncommon, serialized parts can occasionally be damaged or lost in transit. If a part is lost, students should contact ffl@sdi.edu immediately; SDI will investigate and report any losses to the ATF if necessary.

If a serialized part arrives damaged, students are not obligated to accept the transfer. Instead, they should photograph the damage and contact shipping@sdi.edu or ffl@sdi.edu for assistance. SDI will work with the FFL to ensure prompt replacement.

SDI Compliance with State-Specific Firearm Laws

Certain states have firearm restrictions, such as California’s Approved Handgun Roster, which SDI complies with for relevant courses. SDI ensures that the firearms provided to students adhere to state requirements.

For Students with Their Own FFL

Students who are licensees themselves may receive regulated parts directly, simplifying the process. If this applies to you, please inform SDI’s shipping department to arrange for direct delivery.

Final Thoughts

Receiving ATF-regulated parts may seem complex initially, but it is a routine process in the firearms industry. Once students complete the process once, it quickly becomes second nature.

For any questions about the FFL process or receiving serialized parts, SDI’s support team is here to assist. Contact us with any questions or concerns!

Ready to start your own path in the firearms industry? Enroll in SDI today! Click here to request more information.