Got My 03FFL C&R License in the Mail Today

[Tom]

What should I buy?

I'm thinking a Swiss K31. The straight pull bolt is cool and they are made very well.

For those who don't know, a 03FFL is a collector's license that allows a person to mail order or cash and carry firearms deemed "Curio and Relic".

[wwillson]

I didn't know there was such a thing as a 03FFL. What is deemed "Curio and Relic" to the ATF? There must be a standard of age, number produced, or something like that. Are the definitions of "Curio and Relic" negotiable?

How much did it cost you? How long did the approval take?

Wayne

[Tom]

C&R is 50+ years old (relic) or on the BATF list deemed "curio". It costs $30 for three years and takes about 3 months to process after you send in the basic paperwork and payment.

Besides the benefit of being a "collector" many companies such as Brownells and Midway give you a "dealer" discount, that's the main reason I got the license. There are some restrictions, you can't buy to resell, they don't want you acting as a dealer but you can buy/sell/trade if it's part of collecting.

Here's the BATF's FAQ

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/curios-relics.html

Paperwork

http://www.atf.gov/forms/download/atf-f-5310-16-notice.html

Here's a couple companies that deal in C&R

J&G Sales

Aim Surplus

[CamuMahubah]

Nice on the O3FFL. Thought about getting one myself but then I imagined a gun cabinet full of Mosin-Nagants and not being able to sell them.

Ahhh...the smell of cosmoline!

Does your C&R get you a discount on ammo? Modern ammo I mean?

[Tom]

I don't think it gets much if any discount on ammo but it does allow you to directly order from wholesale/distributors that deal in C&R, So you could buy ammo they are offering. Most of the discounts from retailers are on parts and accessories.

I don't care for the Mosin Nagant or any of the other "cheap" surplus. I like the K31 because it's unique and accurate.

[CamuMahubah]

So what else are you gonna buy with your C&R?

[CamuMahubah]

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F3CZ82&name=Czech+CZ-82+9x18+Pistol&groupid=254

[Tom]

That Makarov would be a fun gun but the Tokarev shoots nicer. 10+ rnd Magazines are an issue here in Calif.

Ammo is definitely cheap for either.

If a nice Mauser caught my eye I might pick it up. My main reason for the license is for "dealer" pricing on parts.

[CamuMahubah]

Parts for what? Mausers? I have a Yugo M24/47. If you see any NOS or brand new stocks for it lemme know!

[Tom]

by parts I mean if I save $30 on a scope from Midway that license has paid for itself.

I'm a fan of the M98. I have a custom .22-250 built on a "Mexican" Mauser, which is similar to "small ring" M96.

[CamuMahubah]

I think it's great that you got the C&R! Congrats! Just wanted to ply you a bit to see if you were a surplus rifle collector.

[Tom]

I also have a 1952 Tula SKS.