How hard is it to get a C&R?

[Backon4]

I'm really wanting to get a couple of old firearms, nagant etc., how hard is it to get a C&R and how long does it take? If I'm only looking at getting a few is it worth it or am I better off paying $20 FFL and tics?

[DaveTN]

It’s not hard. If you don’t have a criminal record, you pay $30 and it takes 4-6 weeks. I saved $140 on a Leupold scope on my first purchase from Midway after getting mine and getting the lower pricing from them. I use it more for the discount than buying C&R guns. I would guess it as saved me over $500 in four years.

It’s not like a real FFL where you have all kinds of location and business requirements. It’s not a license to sell, so it’s just paperwork.

There are a bunch of threads here about it.

[Guest Revelator]

Even for just a few guns the license will be well worth it. What you save on your first purchase alone will cover the cost of the license, and after that it's just gravy. C&R is awesome.

[Guest eyescream]

If they'll give one to me they'll give one to anybody. Nothing could possibly go wrong.

[Backon4]

What are the down sides to getting a c&r?

[willis68]

What are the down sides to getting a c&r?

There are none

I have yet to buy a C&R gun but have saved over $300.00 with dealer discounts from Midway USA and Brownell's in just a few months

[ftncityfatboy]

What are the down sides to getting a c&r?

the down side is you don't get to haggle with the dealers at the shows about their high priced C&R guns. Instead, you get to haggle with your UPS driver about whether he wants to be tackled at the street or in your yard. I got my license and have made one purchase. saved $40 thus paying for the cost of license.

[Guest bkelm18]

What are the down sides to getting a c&r?

None really. There's maybe a one in a million chance you could get inspected by the BATFE but I've never really heard of it happening to a 03FFL holder.

[1gewehr]

Some areas are starting to inspect C&Rs. But it's not like a dealer. You have a choice of getting inspected at home or in their office, and you set an appointment. Most choose their office. There are no 'surprise inspections' for C&Rs. C&R records are much simpler than FFL records. You just have to keep the bound book, and you ONLY record C&R firearm transactions, not modern ones.

Also, unlike an FFL, when you give up the license, you do not turn your records into the ATF. Keep them or destroy them, your choice. A lot of C&Rs reapply for a new C&R after their current one expires, instead of renewing. That way, they only have to keep records for three years at a time. It saves them from having to answer questions about a gun they sold 25 years ago.

[kb4ns]

Not to go too far off topic here, but...

If you elect to do the "inspection" in the ATF office, do you only have to bring in your bound book, or are you required to bring the firearms as well? I would assume that you wouldn't wanna drag your collection in with you, but the ATF never ceases to amaze me.

[Chucktshoes]

Not to go too far off topic here, but...

If you elect to do the "inspection" in the ATF office, do you only have to bring in your bound book, or are you required to bring the firearms as well? I would assume that you wouldn't wanna drag your collection in with you, but the ATF never ceases to amaze me.

Actually, that could be kinda fun! When else would you get to take your toys into a federal building? Just make sure to leave the bayo on the Mosin. That way you can poke the BATFE guy if he gets surly!

[alamogunr]

There are none

I have yet to buy a C&R gun but have saved over $300.00 with dealer discounts from Midway USA and Brownell's in just a few months

Agreed! No downside. I have purchased 8 or 10 eligible firearms with mine over the past 6 years. Saves the $10 Instant Check fee and the dealer fee. Plus if you live in a small town that doesn't have an FFL dealer, you don't waste gas driving to pick up the gun.

I also take advantage of discounts. I mostly deal with Graf. I find if you wait for a good sale at Midway, the sale price is about the same as the C&R discount. Still good.

John

W.TN

Edited October 12, 2010 by alamogunr
Clarify

[Guest eyescream]

Do you just fax a signed copy of the license to Brownells like you do Midway?

I'm a retard and can't find instructions on the website.

[alamogunr]

Unless they tell you different, fax is OK. Since I'm retired and don't have a fax at home, I mail my copies to various dealers. If I'm wanting to buy something right away, I go to a business and fax a copy. Always been accepted.

John

W.TN

[Guest eyescream]

Unless they tell you different, fax is OK. Since I'm retired and don't have a fax at home, I mail my copies to various dealers. If I'm wanting to buy something right away, I go to a business and fax a copy. Always been accepted.

John

W.TN

I've not talked to anybody there, but I can't find instructions at all. lol

I'm taking a copy to work tomorrow to fax to Midway and scan so I can keep a jpg handy for places that take it like that, so I guess I'll just fax it to Brownells while I'm already standing around and go from there.

[DaveTN]

I'm a retard and can't find instructions on the website.

For MidwayUSA...

MidwayUSA - Dealer Information: Dealer Program Qualifications & Contact Information

For Brownells...

World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools

[Guest eyescream]

For MidwayUSA...

MidwayUSA - Dealer Information: Dealer Program Qualifications & Contact Information

For Brownells...

World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools

Thanks. I got Midway under control, and I saw that page on Brownell's; but it still doesn't indicate how they prefer to receive the document. That's where I got confused. For example: Midway wants you to fax it; and AIM Surplus wants you to upload a scanned file of it.

I can do either, I just wanted to make sure I understood which Brownell's preferred. I'm just gonna fax it and go from there. No worries.

[Garufa]

Why don't you just ask them? World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools Select FFL Quesion/Update on the email form under Department.

I asked Midway the same question and ended up emailing a signed, scanned copy as they accept that.

[Guest eyescream]

Didn't you read the part where I said I was a 'tard, man? Jeez.

[Backon4]

Ordered my paperwork. Figure what the hell. I figure a couple mosins and a cz later and I'll be happy.

[ttocswob]

FYI - my last Midway order was $97; would have been $114 without the C&R - a $17 savings!

Of course, if you plan to save money with a C&R, you're missing the whole point.

A couple of Mosins and a CZ will only whet your appetite!