Pros & Cons of having a C&R

[martyd]

What are the pros and cons to having a C&R FFL.

I know there are firearms which can be purchased with a C&R due to their age, etc.

In reading the FFL Rules & Regulations regarding C&R I get confused.

 

[Tu_S]

If used in the way that I suppose it is intended to be, an 03-FFL can save a collector from having to pay transfer fees, and saves you the hassle of filling out From 4473's.

However, the reality on this when it comes to saving money is you will find yourself spending even more as you expand your collection

I've had mine for a little over 20 years now and just renewed it. Even though I really don't need one, decided to pickup a M1 Carbine to justify the cost. Of course while searching for the Carbine I found a 1942 production M91/28 Carcano for a reasonable price and picked that up too.

Of course there are those who use a C&R to get around some other problems. Two examples I know of are, in IL where I am, you cannot have an SBR unless you have a C&R license because of a strange loophole written into the laws, and a C&R+COE in CA allows you to order ammo and have it delivered to you, instead of having to go through a more traditional FFL and paying whatever they get for dealing with the transaction.

In the end it kind of depends on what you intend to do if you get one. I originally got mine for collection WW2 firearms (the SBR loophole for IL was just a happy coincidence when I moved from WI,) and have that part of my collection reasonably complete, but now that we are getting into the 70's for eligible guns, I've been taking a closer look at what's out there since those are the guns from my childhood.

 

[Vtgw938]

Am I correct that no fingerprints are required for a C&R? I had the application all filled out but read the Vermont state law (new since 2018) and it clearly spells out that a gun must go through a licensed dealer that has had fingerprints taken. So I am thinking that the C&R would not comply with my state law.

 

[sjmjax]

Pro: Makes it easy to buy stuff.
Con: Makes it easy to buy stuff.

 

[lestert357]

One requirement, call it a “con” if you want, is that you must maintain a record or log book of your purchase and sales transactions…..essentially documenting who you purchased from and who you sold to (also what and when). You also are asked to report the number of transactions to ATF when you renew your license.

 

[Racer X]

wouldn't a c&r qualify you as a ffl holder, and allow you ship through usps priority mail?

 

[jag312]

My C&R log book shows acquisitions and no dispositions. I buy, I don't sell.

 

[fordson]

My C&R is up for renewal in Feb. I’ve had it some 15 years or so and have not used it at all. Thinking of not renewing this year and turning in my blank log book……..

 

[chief38]

The biggest con is that don't be surprised if C&R holders become new targets of "gun control" agency's and anti gun groups. Unless you plan on really buying lots and lots of stuff, I really doubt it's worth the effort and hassle.

 

[Screwball]

Thinking of not renewing this year and turning in my blank log book……..

You don’t need to turn in any book for C&R licenses. Once you are done, book can go into a burn bin.

 

[GypsmJim]

Cons - I have to pay a freaking $30 every 4 years whether I buy or not.

Pros - the $19 rifles I bought back in the 1980's are now selling for $600+.

 

[Revoman]

Pro: A few big suppliers offer the FFL discount for C&R holders.

 

[johngross]

wouldn't a c&r qualify you as a ffl holder, and allow you ship through usps priority mail?

I am 99% certain any regulations by the Post Office about shipping firearms (maybe just handguns?) requires the FFL holder to be a DEALER. A holder of a C&R is considered a COLLECTOR.

 

[H Richard]

One nice thing is some suppliers give you a "dealer" discount. Midway, Graff's, and several others. Allows you to buy qualifying guns when you are traveling out of state, and carry them out of the store, no FFL shipping required.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

If your name isn't already on a list in Washington DC applying for a C&R license will take care of that.

If your name is now on a list in Washington DC you will have a red circle around your name.

 

[fordson]

You don’t need to turn in any book for C&R licenses. Once you are done, book can go into a burn bin.

You sure? The form certainly directs that “records” are to be forwarded to the ATF. Which in my case is a blank book……


EDIT: You are correct - read the fine print.
“Collector’s of Curios or Relics are NOT required to send their firearms record s to ATF”. Thank………

 

[jimmyj]

I have discovered that even if a firearm is classified as C&R some dealers will not ship to a C&R license holder.

 

[fordson]

I have discovered that even if a firearm is classified as C&R some dealers will not ship to a C&R license holder.

In my experience, some FFLs do not wish to deal with C&R license holders.

 

[glowe]

So many things need attention on this thread. First, a C&R FFL is renewed every three years for $30. Other things one should know before getting an 03-FFL are covered below.

A licensed dealer is an 01-FFL. A C&R or 03-FFL cannot be a dealer. Many sellers say they need to ship to a licensed dealer, not knowing it eliminates the C&R license holders. I have contacted many sellers who will tell you a C&R is OK, not realizing their instructions for sale exclude them. Very few sellers will ban a C&R FFL from buying qualifying guns.

You do not send you log book back to the BATFE when you give up your license and do not have to keep it either. I find the log book quite helpful as a complete listing of firearms I have purchased.

THe USPS will not honor a C&R FFL for shipping handguns. It is not totally clear that the post office will accept long guns that qualify as C&Rs and you will get different answers from every local post office on the subject.

Renewal documents are sent every 3 years to the C&R holder and I have never been asked how many transactions I have conducted. CORRECTION: The form does need the number of transactions entered for the previous three years.

The application process is simple, the activities required to maintain your log book are not time consuming, and nobody ever sees them unless you are caught up in an illegal action. There are a couple statements that need consideration. They relate to the fact that the BATFE acknowledges the need to follow state laws as well ad their regulations. Excerpt is below:

Bottom line is that you can avoid the hassle of finding or using an FFL for firearms that are over 50 years old. Also, as regulations continue to tighten on Gun Show purchases, a C&R FFL is a great way to avoid upcoming state and local initiatives trying to limit purchases at these events. Besides all the advantages at the purchase point, you get your gun delivered to your door!

I make multiple C&R purchases each year and almost all qualify for C&R so I save time and lots of money not having to deal with 01-FFLs. Sellers are more likely to take your offers knowing there is no paperwork required, especially at gun shows where they are always busy. Now that $30 FFL transfer charges and more is reality of the times. Two purchases s year becomes a $60 savings, so one is $30 to the good. Buy more and save more.

 

[444 Magnum]

Renewal documents are sent every 3 years to the C&R holder and I have never been asked how many transactions I have conducted.

I agree with everything but this^.

Page two next to your return address. It's been on there every year I've renewed.