Obtaining a CR license

[Sentinel_Prime]

Hello all, sorry if this question has been asked before, but I was wondering what the process is for obtaining a C&R license is? Is it harder to get in California vs another state? Is it even worth getting? I plan on buying more surplus rifles for collecting purposes and figured having it would make it easier so I don't have to deal with a middleman or worry about someone mishandling it during the ffl transfer

[shooter1975]

I got 03 FFL & COE in 4 weeks! Just a word of advice having your 03 FFL will kill your wallet!!!

[Flintlock Tom]

If you're planning on collecting surplus rifles/guns, yes, it's worth it.
It's not harder to get in California. However, to make full use of the license, you will want to get a CA COE (Certificate of Eligibility).
Fill out the form on-line, print it out, initial some places, sign it and mail it in with payment.

https://www.atf.gov/files/forms/download/atf-f-5310-16.pdf

Read the instructions carefully.

[bigdaddy99]

Do what Flintlock Tom says. It was super easy for me. It was even pretty easy for me to do an address change. My ffl03 paid for itself pretty quickly too. A number of dealers give ffl03 discounts too. There's a list on ar15.com under the c&r forum.

[TanHat]

I agree with the above thoughts - it is both worthwhile if you get into collecting and easy to get. Just be sure to read everything carefully as you fill out the forms.

I found this article (TTAG) helpful when I was initially considering it. Here is one more site (Garand Gear) with some info, too.

As some people have mentioned elsewhere, the ladies at the ATF License office (in West Virginia - phone number at the bottom of the application) were really kind over the phone and answered a few questions for me.

While looking back at my records, it only took 16 days for me to receive my 03FFL and 21 days to receive my CoE from the dates I mailed off the applications. That is frankly fantastic turnaround for a government-issued-anything, and far quicker than you'll receive your acknowledgement of the BOF961 forms after you mail those. (Don't forget to do those after the fact! )

Like bigdaddy99 said, the discounts are useful, too. Converting my account on Brownells to a license-holder account has probably paid for at least the BOF961 fees and probably a good chunk of the application fees, as well.

Best of luck and welcome to the wallet-draining fold!