How Hard to get a C&R License

[brstevns]

How hard is it to get a c&r license? and what needs to be done to get one?

[mace2364]

It's actually not too bad at all. You have to fill out the paperwork(I think you have to get your local sheriff to sign it, but I might be wrong. At any rate it's not that they're giving you permission so much as it's letting them know you're getting a license) and send $30 to the BATFE. Then you wait a bit, mine was like 30 days or so, and your license comes in the mail. WELL worth the trouble if you like the C&R stuff.

[ARKANSAS PACKRAT]

No sheriff signature needed, they just need to have a copy in their file, same thing when it's time to renew.
Nick

[Epd230]

Is it the same process for a renewal?
How long are they good for?

[mace2364]

Basically it is the same process I believe. It's good for 3 years. If you move in that time, you need to get your license changed to reflect that, but you don't have to go through the whole application process again. You just have to mail your license back, with a letter explaining that you moved, and your new address. Mine took about 30 days when I did that.

[wv109323]

They are good for five years. They are not too difficult to obtain. The first time it took me 14 days to get my first in about 2005. The renewal took about two months in 2010. There is a web site that deals with military surplus rifles that goes through the application process and tells you how to fill out the forms. Try militarysurplusrifles.com You must also supply finger prints.
The renewal does not require the finger prints. You must write a letter to the sheriff and provide a copy of the application IIRC.

[cja245]

its just a matter of filling out the form and sending it with a check or credit card #. You also have to mail a copy of the same form to your chief law enforcement officer (generally the sheriff), but aside from dropping the two letters in the mailbox, there is nothing more required. Make sure you read the directions on the form carefully. I hear about people doing all sorts of stuff they aren't required to do in order to get a C&R because they confuse the directions meant for other FFL's. I got mine about 2 years ago and it took me about 20 min to fill out the forms and about 3 weeks wait for it to come in the mail. You can print out the form directly off the BATFE website.

[brstevns]

Thanks I think I will give it a try.

[bruce drake]

They are good for 3 years not 5. And yes, they are worth it to develop a collection without dealer markup. The difficult part is the wait from the current Administration when it comes the BATFE. They are slow and have been getting slower every time I've renewed or change my address. Also the requirement to maintain a bound book has changed now for 03 FFLs in that when you let your license lapse, you are now required to submit the book back to the BATFE as if you were a Business 01 FFL. I will hold my license to see if the next administration fixes some of the errors of the current administration's BATFE chief but may let it go if it gets more stupid.

[Jeff Michel]

Another advantage is that you are given business discounts from folks like Brownell's, Graf and son's, Midway. If you like Mil-surp weapons it will pay for itself in one transaction. If the weapon is fifty years old (it doesn't have to be military) and hasn't been altered from it's original state. (e.g. you can restock a 1903 Springfield with a replacement stock but you cannot have been sporterized and still be classified as a curio/relic.) it chances are it will qualify for transfer under an 03 C&R license. There is a book type list available from the ATF that will describe a bunch of different weapons that fall in this category. The ATF will include a copy with your information package when your license arrives.
There really isn't any hassles that I'm aware of. I don't know of anyone that ever had their "book" checked by the ATF. Just remember, the 03 license is not a license to conduct business, it's for collecting period. You can't accept transfer's for your buddies, fix guns for the public, etc. That will require an 01 dealer license. If you have a chance, check out Simpson's LTD web sight. It will show to an absolute ton of C&R weapons they have available. That will likely get you off the fence

[RobsTV]

Good for 3 years and no finger prints required.
You send the paperwork to BATF and a copy to your local Sheriff (mailed to his exact name and address at Sheriff's office).

See details in my sig.

First thing I bought with mine was a Radom P-64 (Makarov 9x18 round) and because of the C&R they shipped it right to my door, so saved $25 FFL transfer fee. Yes, even though this gun is only 40 years old, it qualifies for C&R because the 9x18 round is no longer used for New retail production weapons. Even a gun made 3 years ago has potential to qualify as C&R, if it meets the specific standards of collectable.

This also opens up some online websites that then allow you to purchase things they sell only to dealers. Mags, Weapons, Etc. You are a dealer to them if you have C&R. Here is an example: http://www.southernohiogun.com/

Have made dozens of purchases at Grafs over the past year, saving hundreds of dollars, all because of the $30 C&R dealer discount pricing.

[brstevns]

Sent in application May 19th but have not heard a word back?

[mazo kid]

Have patience; it should be coming soon. Usually 4-6 weeks, but one time my renewal took 3 months!

[brstevns]

Have patience; it should be coming soon. Usually 4-6 weeks, but one time my renewal took 3 months!

Hope it does not take 3 months! Was told it takes a while longer this time of year for all the people that have applied for a fireworks license slows down everyone else that has a applied for a firearms license

[1500FPS]

The only concern I would have is a lot of people feel you are more under the government eye when you how a dealer license.

[RobsTV]

The only concern I would have is a lot of people feel you are more under the government eye when you how a dealer license.

Probably true.
But another benefit is the news story headlines that read "They found a Cache of weapons in his home with 1000's of rounds of ammunition", then they see BATF licensed and all is O.K, he is not the bad guy the Cache of Weapons and Ammo makes him out to be to the uneducated news reader..

I wonder if they normally tell a deputy responding to a call at a residence that the homeowner has a FFL license and possible firearms?

[EDG]

>>you are now required to submit the book back to the BATFE<<
If you read the license closely you will find that you are not required to send in the book if you let the license lapse.

[waksupi]

If I give up my license, I will destroy my bound book records. If there was a mistake, some I not dotted, some T not crossed, I choose not to incriminate myself.

[gunoil]

easy, i thought and super nice people.

[brstevns]

Update, Still waiting. No word as of this date.