C&R...?

[chicopilot]

Maybe someone can educate me on this without me having to sort through endless threads.

I tend to like guns over 50 years old. Would getting a C&R license allow me to avoid the FFL transfer hassle and cost? I guess I don't totally follow what it is, how it works. Thanks!

[onelonehorseman]

A FFL03 + CA COE would allow you to avoid the 10 day wait on applicable C&R firearms, but not the FFL01 transfer if done inside CA.

[Quiet]

Maybe someone can educate me on this without me having to sort through endless threads.

I tend to like guns over 50 years old. Would getting a C&R license allow me to avoid the FFL transfer hassle and cost? I guess I don't totally follow what it is, how it works. Thanks!

Under CA laws...

Exemptions for a CA resident with a valid C&R 03-FFL and valid COE:
1. No 10 day waiting period when acquiring a C&R firearm from a CA FFL dealer. [PC 27670]
2. No 1 in 30 day wait on handguns. [PC 27535(b)(9)]
3. Can be used as proof of CA residency. [PC 26845(b) & 11 CCR 4045 d.1.]
4. When acquiring C&R firearms, it is an exemption to needing a valid Firearm Safety Certificate. [PC 31700(a)(6)]
5. When acquiring C&R firearms, it is an exemption to needing to do a safe handling demonstration. [PC 26850(h) & 26860(g)]
6. Acquiring a C&R long gun inside of CA without needing to utilize a CA FFL dealer. [PC 27966]
7. Acquiring ammunition from another exempt person without needing to utilize a CA DOJ licensed ammunition vendor. [PC 30312(c)(6)]
9. Either online or in person, importing ammunition acquired out-of-state without needing to utilize a CA DOJ licensed ammunition vendor. [PC 30312(c)(6) & 30314(b)(5)]

Exemptions for a CA resident with a valid C&R 03-FFL:
1. Importing a C&R firearm that they physically acquire while outside of CA without needing to utilize a CA FFL dealer. [PC 27585(b)(1) & 27565]

[chicopilot]

Got it. Thanks guys!

[sbo80]

A FFL03 + CA COE would allow you to ... but not the FFL01 transfer if done inside CA.

That's only for handguns. Long guns don't need the 01. You still have to send in an acquisition form to DOJ though. See Quiet's list.

[dfletcher]

Got it. Thanks guys!

I have the C&R and COE. Aside from getting on line discounts from Brownells, Grafs, Numrich and a few others I don't see it as a way to routinely save money or CA fees. Especially when buying in CA.

But in case it slipped by, "importing" means buying a C&R firearm out of state "cash & carry" - directly from a gun store or an "unlicensed" (as in not a gun store) individual - and returning to CA with it. On those you'll generally avoid DROS and other CA fees, locks, gas & bridge tolls, etc. That can easily add up to about $100.00 on most guns.

If you're anywhere near the CA & NV, OR or AZ border you can find some great deals. The Reno Gun Show is this weekend and in addition to the show most of the LGS are sufficiently versed in C&Rs to do a deal.

Keep in mind there are quite a few C&R eligible firearm that are fewer than 50 years old. I'm not a great fan of commemoratives, but recently picked up a Smith 25 "125 year Anniversary" and a 544 (a 5" N frame in 44.40) because although 1980s made are federally listed as C&R.

Given the above, and if one likes older guns, acquiring a C&R probably isn't a good way to avoid spending $$$.