Wow, I didn't expect such a good discussion on collecting C&R guns.

For you C&R holders: If you are combing pawn shops and gun shows for older guns, do you already know serial number ranges equating to the ship date and buy through your C&R license or do you just buy the gun with the standard 4473 form and the $5 NICS check and add it to your bound book later if it is classified as C&R?

Buying military surplus is easy as I just go in with a signed copy of my C&R and avoid the 4473 form and NICS check, but buying 50+ year old Smith and Wessons may be more difficult, especially models that are model marked.