What is the usefulness of BATF C & R License? (Curio & Relic)

[Allred]

A couple of messages to me here and other forums have suggested I look into a C & R firearm license from BATF. Cost is $30 for 3 years, and the paperwork only cumbersome, but not impossible, it seems.

What is the usefulness if this license, if any, for someone like me who likes to buy and shoot old military rifles, Cowboy Action guns, etc?

Should I get one?

Thanks,

Information

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[armabill]

Yes it's worth it. Not only do you get dealer prices from places like Midway, Brownells, Grafs, etc., but you can also receive the C&R guns directly to your home (if that address is on the C&R license).

Well worth the $30 cost. You can get that cost right back in savings from one order.

[blaiwayw]

The C&R license makes it possible to receive many types of firearms with the basic requirement of being +50 years old. The BATF has a list of eligible weapons. Newer firearms can be listed as collectable. The Russian SKS is listed as a curio and can be purchased direct with the C&R. You have to keep records of sales and purchases, but it's really basic.

[Tom in N.J.]

The only reason I had one was to be able to purchase a C&R firearm from an individual in another state. This included handguns. However, C&R firearms can not be shipped to a C&R holder in N.J. Only a state licensed dealer may receive or ship a firearm in N.J. Holding a C&R license in N.J. may make you a target for investigation by the N.J.S.P. Firearms Unit.

[Bill Hollinger]

I have one as well and I have more than made up the difference in just the very few I have bought. An FFL can/will charge upwards of $100.00 and more for a transfer and then wait but the the C&R the weapon is shipped to your door. Keeping records of sales and purchases is quite simple. I haven't sold any of the weapons I got with or since the C&R but again, it is an easy process. $30.00 well spent!

[Mike D]

Don't know what your into, but many "Centennial" or "Commemorative" editions of an old Smith, Colt or Winchester, to name a few, is also considered C & R eligible.

[hcso617]

I agree with all replies, the application is very easy and straight forward, I had mine in my hands in 40 days. I will warn you that buying C&R rifles and guns is an addiction, you are going to need more storage and re-load if you don't already. All the best.

[limpetmine]

If you enjoy road trips to gun shows far, far away, the 03 FFL makes the hobby fun AND legal! It's a WIN WIN!

[Thompson28]

If you are into NFA firearms many are classified as C&Rs and those too can be shipped directly to you once the Form 4 is approved. Saves you a good bit if the firearm is being shipped from a different state than the one you live in not having to go through an instate C3 dealer.

[OCDinNC1]

Just recently got back into collecting guns. Bought a few through online auction sites; had to pay my local guy $ to do FFL paperwork on several C&R eligibles , plus drive somewhere else to pick them up, on his schedule. Now I have my $30 invested, next ones I can afford will come right to me.