Gun Dealers Say Firearms Board Deadline Retaliatory

A recent directive from the Firearms and Ammunition Control Board (FACB) requiring all licensed gun dealers and company gun licence holders to submit a full inventory of their firearms and ammunition by June 11, 2025, has sparked criticism from members of the firearms community.

The notice said, “The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board informs Company Gun Licence holders and Gun Dealers to submit an inventory of their stock of firearms and ammunition to this office by June 11, 2025, to the above email address. The Board also advises that physical checks of inventory will commence in the month of June 2025.”

While the move may be seen as part of routine regulatory oversight, some gun dealers believe the timing is retaliatory, particularly following public criticism of the current licensing system by gun dealer Abner Murillo, owner of Lock N’ Loaded.

Murillo, speaking recently on News 5, cited the Tropic Air hijacking as a case where a licensed firearm holder helped prevent a potentially deadly situation. He argued that responsible gun ownership plays a critical role in public safety and expressed frustration with what he described as an increasingly burdensome and inconsistent licensing process.

“The way to stop evil is to give people a licensed weapon, simple as that,” Murillo said. “People are frustrated, but they don’t want to speak up. Every day, people come into my store complaining.”

Murillo also criticised the FACB for allegedly revoking instructor licences without justification and for failing to honour previously approved certifications when the licensing authority transitioned from the police department to the FACB. He claims that qualified instructors, including himself, have been unfairly targeted.

“They revoked licences left, right, and centre… It just seems like I am going to benefit this one and victimise that one. That’s how it feels,” he added.

The FACB responded by defending its updated procedures, stating that the changes are intended to improve due diligence and close administrative loopholes. The Board also clarified that only one valid ID is required for applications and acknowledged the logistical challenges faced by rural applicants.