How did FPS Russia get his guns? The inside story of FPS Russia‘s legendary arsenal
FPS Russia was able to obtain an incredible arsenal of firearms and explosives thanks mainly to one key connection – his close friend Keith Ratliff. As a Federally licensed firearms dealer, Ratliff could legally purchase and own weapons not available to the average civilian. This included machine guns, silencers, short-barreled rifles, and other equipment requiring special permits under the National Firearms Act (NFA).
By 2016, FPSRussia had uploaded over 780 videos which were viewed over 700 million times. Many featured Ratliff‘s private collection and specialty weapons provided by his license. This access allowed FPS Russia‘s host Kyle Myers to amass an unrivaled arsenal making for one of YouTube‘s most popular channels.
Federal Firearms License Allowed Access Rare Weapons
Obtaining destructive devices like RPGs or grenade launchers as a civilian is near impossible, but there are legal avenues with the right licenses.
The main license facilitating FPS Russia‘s firearm collection was Ratliff‘s Type 01 Federal Firearms License (FFL) as a Class 2 Special Occupational Taxpayer. This allowed him to deal in NFA-regulated weapons like machine guns, silencers and short-barreled rifles.
ATF requirements to obtain a Class 2 SOT FFL include:
- Being 21 or older
- Ensuring secure gun storage
- No recent felony convictions
- Payment of a Special Occupational Tax
- Registration with the ATF
With an FFL, one can purchase NFA firearms directly from a supplier or by transfer from a non-licensee. Even with a Class 2 SOT FFL, there is still a mountain of paperwork and months-long wait times for approval.
What Weapons Could Be Accessed Through FFL?
While onerous, a Federal Firearms License provided FPS Russia access to weaponry otherwise near impossible for a civilian to obtain legally.
Some examples of NFA-regulated weapons seen in FPS Russia videos:
- Machine Guns – M61 Vulcan, HK21E, GAU-19
- Silencers/Suppressors – Over 20 seen including .50 caliber rifle suppressors
- Short-Barreled Rifles – Multiple AR-15 based SBRs like the 10.5" barrel CQBR
- Destructive Devices – RPGs, Mortars, Grenade launchers
Besides NFA equipment from Ratliff‘s own licensed collection, in many videos FPS Russia noted they had specific permission from manufacturers to showcase weapons. However the details of these permissions are unclear.
Safety Concerns Around Video Production
Seeing extremely dangerous weapons fired casually sparked criticism that FPS Russia disregarded safety. In one video showing an indoor RPG shoot, shrapnel is seen impacting very close to Myers.
But behind-the-scenes footage indicates more safety steps were taken than shown on camera. Myers also repeatedly made statements online that safety was the top concern during production.
In my opinion as a firearms expert, FPS Russia took adequate range safety precautions involving firearms. However destruction scenes involving explosives likely bent safety margins for more dramatic footage.
Keith Ratliff‘s Murder And ATF Drug Charges Raise Questions
Two key events brought further scrutiny on FPS Russia‘s weapons access. The first was the unsolved murder of Ratliff at his gun shop in 2013 – his family believes it was a targeted assassination.
More questions emerged in 2016 when Kyle Myers was charged with felony possession of cannabis concentrate. This also resulted in the ATF raiding Myer‘s family farm.
There is no evidence Myers illegally obtained firearms. But his arrest meant the loss of affiliation with any FFL holder like Ratliff. This ultimately led Myers to cease new FPS Russia productions.
The mysteries surrounding Ratliff‘s death and Myers‘ arrest continue to raise questions about what exactly went on behind the scenes of this YouTube phenomenon.
In Summary: A Mix of Licensed Access and Entertainment Permissions
While many specifics remain shrouded, FPS Russia amassed an unprecedented collection of firearms and explosives mainly thanks to Keith Ratliff‘s Federal Firearms Licenses granting access to restricted weapons.
This was likely supplemented by temporary usage permissions from gun manufacturers to showcase products. Rental of equipment like tanks also played a role for more outlandish videos.
Obtaining all these weapons still required immense paperwork, wait times, secure storage and transportation. But with proper licenses, legitimate demos and rentals or props are possible without illegal ownership.
FPS Russia‘s rise and fall remains one of YouTube‘s most controversial stories. The full truth of how they acquired some extremely rare guns may never be known. But for a time, the collaboration between Kyle Myers and Keith Ratliff resulted in an unparalleled arsenal that created one of YouTube‘s biggest sensations.