Why you should have a C&R License
What is a C&R license?
Many of us in the gun world have seen the term “C&R License” plenty of times, but what does it actually mean? C&R stands for Curio and Relic. It's type of FFL license that's issued by the ATF for collectors of vintage guns. C&R Licenses, also known as FFL Type 03, can be an incredibly useful thing to have for those of us that love and collect vintage firearms! Let’s take a look at the process and benefits of a C&R license but most importantly - we'll consider if it's worth it to spend the time going through the process of getting one.
A Sample C&R License. Photo Credit: Gun Rights Attorneys
Why you should get a C&R license
Do you love collecting vintage and surplus firearms? If the answer is yes then you could have some great savings by simply snagging a C&R license! What do we mean by that? Well, when you have a C&R license it opens you up to be able to purchase guns that qualify under the "C&R category" without the need for going to a separate FFL location to pickup your new purchase.
Photo Credit: Gun Powder Magazine
Benefits
Most firearms enthusiasts know all too well the cost of having firearms shipped to a local FFL dealer, only to head down to pay for a receiving fee and background check to retrieve their firearm. Sometimes it's not even just about that, it's the hassle and time that goes along with it.
So how can you skip the FFL part of this transaction when you buy a new (old) gun? Surprise surprise, you're the FFL now mister. This makes collecting vintage guns incredibly easy! Additionally, even in states that have ammunition purchase restrictions, FFL 03 holders are allowed to buy and ship ammo directly to their homes (assuming that's the location on their FFL license).
In summary: A C&R license allows the holder to legally skip that step when it comes to vintage firearms - saving time and money by allowing specifically vintage firearms (on the ATF’s list of approved guns) to be shipped directly to their door!
Who actually Collects Old Guns?
So here is the point where we actually wonder about who would actually collect these things? Well, for many people, owning older guns can be remarkably rewarding. Imagine being able to hold a rifle that saw duty use in World War 2. Imagine the things and moments that rifle has been a part of in times that we can't even fathom.
I remember when I found a gun in my brother-in-law’s safe, which turned out to be a Springfield 1873 Long Rifle. This rifle was passed down for several generations, and upon some light research, we learned very few of this particular model were made and the majority were issued to the infamous Custer’s 7th Cavalry. What an incredible piece of history to hold in one’s hands!
Some people are just into guns, even non-firearm items, that come with a history and a story behind it.
Colt Single-Action Army Revolver with Stag antler grips. Photo Credit: iCollector
How to get a C&R license for guns
The process of applying for a C&R License is actually not as daunting as many sources on the internet might have one believe. Simply download and fill out the FFL form here, mark the Curios and Relics box and send it to the ATF. The C&R license is actually incredibly easy to get, it just takes a bit of time for the paperwork to get processed.
Smith & Wesson No.1 .22 Revolver. Photo Credit: Gun Digest
How much is a C&R license?
Get ready big spenders - a C&R license is literally $30 as of the writing of this blog! When we take into consideration the costs of shipping every firearm purchase one makes to an FFL(including transfer fees), which can be anywhere from $10 to $90 or more, it becomes a no brainer for an enthusiast that loves collecting a lot old guns!
What qualifies as a C&R gun?
So what qualifies as a C&R gun exactly? The ATF are very clear on this part as they define C&R-eligible firearms the following:
"Firearm curios or relics include firearms which have special value to collectors because they possess some qualities not ordinarily associated with firearms intended for sporting use or as offensive or defensive weapons. To be recognized as curios or relics, firearms must fall within one of the following categories:
1. Have been manufactured at least 50 years prior to the current date, but not including replicas thereof; or
2. Be certified by the curator of a municipal, State, or Federal museum which exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of museum interest; or
3. Derive a substantial part of their monetary value from the fact that they are novel, rare, bizarre, or from the fact of their association with some historical figure, period, or event."
Need more info? Check out the full ATF page for more info here.
Examples of super cool C&R guns
There are so many awesome historical guns out there to be had and we think they are all worth having! Imagine owning a Remington 1903 Sniper rifle from World War 2 to a lever gun from the 1800’s! What stories these guns could tell. For the sake of fun, let’s look at a few possibilities that could be great for those of us that love history and guns!
- Lee Enfield No. 4 MKI
- Winchester Model 1894
- M1891 Mosin Nagant
- M1 Garand
- Colt 1911
- Mauser K98k
- SKS
We wrote about some of these guns chock filled of awesome history in another blog: Sniper Rifles of WWII, learn more about them there or start the paperwork on your C&R license today to buy yourself one soon! Personally, I have my eyes on the M1 Garand for that iconic empty clip ejection "PING," sound.
Shop with 5D Tactical Today!
We hope this was a fun and informative look into the world of C&R licenses and vintage gun collecting. Tracking down and collecting these weapons can be a great hobby! Before you head on over to fill out your forms for the ATF, why not start your GST-9 or AR build today so that in 50 years it can be considered a C&R gun too? Haha.
