ATF C&R Inspection this is how it went down LONG!

[Jim K]

For several reasons, I have never gotten a C&R license. Am I on "their" radar? Sure, and I have been for years for reasons having nothing to do with guns; I have my FBI dossier number written down someplace - saves them from looking it up when they put me through another update.

BUT, none of that entitles "them" to come to my house without a warrant and check my records, or demand to see my guns. While compliance inspections of C&R holders are very uncommon (I personally know of no one who has been through one), they are authorized in the law, and I would rather not have the bother.

Jim

[John Sukey (Deceased)]

My favourite story about that.
A sweet young thing from the ATF went into the local gun shop with a list and my name was on it. She asked about what guns I was buying. The clerk replied "he only buys antiques." I was in good company since two others on the list were an Air Force Colonel from the base, and a FBI firearms instructor!

I am guessing I got their attention because I bought two No1Mk3 Lee Enfields on the same day

[Gator]

Saving on transfer fees is no small thing where I live. The cheapest is $50. Plus there are the discounts from Brownell's and Midway, which save me a lot.
Its also nice not having to fill out the 4473, and the dealer not having to do the NICS call.

[Roadawg]

Just wondering did the agent request to view firearms or had you already laid them out for viewing? As I mentioned in other post, they (ATF) never looked at my hardware. Wondering now, why... if I just had to many (well over 50 including pistols) for him to bother with. Or I hadn't made it to the BIG Times yet with a collection of over 100.

When the Agent called to set up the inspection I asked what he wanted to see, reply: your Bound Book and "inventory". So I had it all organized when he got here. My collection is MUCH smaller then it used to be and most sales happened prior to 12 months ago and none at a gun show, all shipped or sold to an FFL holder duly recorded in the book. He didn't even look at transactions made prior to 12 months ago. He did mention that I should put the full name and address in the Acquisition side as some enteries just said AIM, blah blah Ohio OR just CMP. Which of course makes sense if they have to investigate where a firearm actually came from. ALL Disposititons were logged out to FFL's.

Why do I have a C&R FFL? Well I used to have an 01 FFL but Kalif. made that untenable due to low volume sales. So I got the C&R because I was actively collecting up until last year or so (1995-2008). With it I bypassed transfer and Kalif fees to the tune of $50+ per item. I many many times paid dealer prices from distibutors for firearms and ammo, parts or supplies, etc. When I purchase a C&R pistol out of state I pay $14 to register it with the state instead of ALL the dealer markup or dealer transfer fees. I recently bought a non C&R 22 handgun which would have cost me about $180 through a distributor. Although it was a modern handgun they seemed willing to sell it to me at the sales flier price, but had none is stock. SO I went to my freindly 01 FFL and he found one for me, when I got to the 01 FFLs place, between the Kalif Fees and Dealer markup (full list! Not the 10% er like it used to be) the price was $350! I rationalized the purchase as I hadn' given the guy much business recently so I paid the price and I really wanted THAT pistol.
The Agent did say they would like you to keep a list of currently owned C&R's which were acquired prior to getting your C&R FFL. The experience was pleasant, non adversarial and informative on HIS part. I've been through so many hospital inspections in the past 38 years I KNOW how handle inspections as long as I know the rules before hand.
Each to his own, I don't condem anyone for NOT having a FFL or FOR having one. I KNOW what it has done for me and I play by the rules So I have nothing to worry about. I hope some of this was helpful. BB

[BillH]

One poster stated just spend the 20 dollars and go through your atf. Here is what I have to do in CA. The only FFL where I live charges 100 per transfer and he is busy. I have to make two or three trip threre. First to pay and get also the info. Then I have to get fingerprinted, and wait ten business days for my prints to come back clear from the state DOJ. With the C and R there is no fee and the rifle goes directly to me. I have my stuff in order so a visit from the ATF is a chance I will take. People who don't live in CA don't see the point. I hope this clears it up.