C&R 03 FFL anyone?
 

I'd considering getting one and I'd like some honest feedback of pros and cons. I'd also like to hear from folks that have or had one. Thanks.

Re: C&R 03 FFL anyone?
 

A C&R FFL opens you up to getting some decent bargains (occasionally), being able to buy C&R weapons via mail order/internet purchase, but also opens you up to the possibility of annual compliance audits by the BATF.

You must maintain a "bound book" (acquisition/disposition) of C&R firearms purchased/sold while you are licensed. This is pretty easy to do, and is not a major hassle.

Some vendors offer discounts on some of their inventory for FFL holders. These include MidwayUSA and Brownells. Graf & Sons also offers a discount on some stuff to FFL holders, but you've got to see whether it's cheaper to buy stuff as a "civilian" or a licensee, since shipping charges for licensees can eat up some of your FFL savings.

When I first got my C&R, there were many EXCELLENT deals to be had. Turk Mausers, 3 for $100, Mosin Nagant 91/30 - 3/$100, Finn MN39 - 2/$100.....nowadays, great deals from places like Century Arms are a lot scarcer.

I held my C&R license from 1999 until November of last year, when I decided to not renew.

For me, the potential savings from a C&R FFL wasn't worth the exposure to no-notice audit by the BATF at my home. Yes, theoretically you can ask for an audit to be performed at the local ATF office, but do you really want to have to dick around with an ATF agent standing at your door, with you asking "can't we do this downtown?"

A personal friend (a guy who introduced me to C&R stuff back in 1999) was recently audited. If you were to Google the subject of C&R audits, you will find the same topic being discussed on a number of boards. The increase in C&R compliance audits does not just seem to be a regional thing (IL/OH), but seems to be happening up in the northeast (?MA?), OH, plus other states (I think the GunBoards guy was from TX, but am not sure).

My friend was told by the ATF person in early February that he was the second C&R licensee that he's audited, and that "they just started because someone is using the C&R to buy and sell." My friend stupidly (IMHO) allowed the audit to be performed at his home. The ATF person DID ask questions about whether the weapons are stored in a safe, and whether there are any large dogs at home.

A C&R license has some benefits, but there are also some obligations.

Re: C&R 03 FFL anyone?
 

I got my C&R at the first of this year and it's pretty good overall.

PROS - Having firearms sent to your home address with no transfer fees. You also learn a lot more about the older ones and how many different rifles and pistols are available. I've gone way beyond surplus and have bought off individuals and small shops from Gunbroker and AucitonArms.

CONS - I keep buying more guns........(ugh)


Careful, it gets addicting !!!

Re: C&R 03 FFL anyone?
 

Huh? What do big dogs have to do with anything???

Re: C&R 03 FFL anyone?
 

I can only guess. If certain government agencies were coming over unnanounced for tea & crumpets, they might find large dogs running loose on your property an inconvenience. By asking this question ahead of time, they can be prepared to bring something "special" for your dogs.

How kind of them.:sarc:

Re: C&R 03 FFL anyone?
 

Re: C&R 03 FFL anyone?
 

I do not know much, but I think it also does not allow you to sell guns, so if you buy it and do not have it when they look in your underwear drawer you may be in trouble for selling it.
but that is just what I read into it when I was looking

Re: C&R 03 FFL anyone?
 

Yeah, that's what's kept me from getting one. My buddy has a Class 3 permit and he is subject to warrantless searches at any time, by any LEO.

A C&R does have some plusses, but I prefer being low on the radar screen.

Re: C&R 03 FFL anyone?
 

With a C&R FFL, you certainly can sell C&R firearms. Your sales must not be for the purpose of operating a buying/selling "business", but can be for the purpose of enhancing your collection. With any sale ("disposition"), there had better be an entry in your bound book for that firearm, or there will be problems.

Re: C&R 03 FFL anyone?
 

Well that makes my mind up for me....thanks. I'll just use my local pawnshop guy--he'll receive them for me for $25/ea.