C&R Legal Info

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Part 1

The information contained in this series of posts is considered the property of www.calgunlaws.com and full credit for the information contained herein belongs to www.calgunlaws.com. Any legal questions or concerns should be referred to an attorney or other legal counsel.

Summaries: A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF ANTIQUE, CURIO AND RELIC FIREARMS

This article contains a general summary of California laws relating to antiques and "curios and relics." It is provided for educational purposes only and is not designed to provide individual guidance for specific situations, nor does it attempt to summarize federal law. Use of CalGunLaws.com is deemed acceptance of the Disclaimers/Terms of Use policy. The legality of any specific act will ultimately be determined by applicable federal and state statutory and case law and municipal law where it applies. For more information on specific state statutes, please refer to the full text of the California Penal Code sections referenced herein, available via the Internet at: CalGunLaws.com and California's Official Legislative Information site. Persons having specific questions are encouraged to seek legal advice from an attorney, or consult their local law enforcement agency or law library.
Curio and relic laws in California have long been a confusing topic for firearm owners. After receiving requests for clarification, a memorandum of law regarding the transfer of curio or relic firearms was drafted by the Law Office of Trutanich-Michel, LLP. This memorandum of law is reprinted below, and includes hypothetical questions and answers to further clarify any ambiguities. This memorandum was provided to the California Department of Justice for review and comment. The California Department of Justice responded to the memorandum of law by stating they have "no objection to the statutory interpretations contained therein." Review the DOJ response here.

more to come

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Part 2

MEMORANDUM OF LAW

TOPIC: TRANSFERRING CURIO OR RELIC FIREARMS

ANALYSIS

I. DEFINITIONS

A. DEALERS AND COLLECTORS

Under federal law, a "dealer" is "(A) any person engaged in the business of selling firearms at wholesale or retail, (B) any person engaging in the business of repairing firearms or of making or fitting special barrels, stocks, or trigger mechanisms to firearms, or (C) any person who is a pawnbroker.A "licensed dealer" under federal law means a dealer who is licensed under federal law, i.e., has an Federal Firearms License (FFL).

Federal law also creates "licensed collectors," defined by 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(13) as any person licensed to acquire, hold, or dispose of "curios or relics" under 18 U.S.C. 923. These are often referred to as Type 3 or "03" FFLsCalifornia law defines "dealer" differently. Under California law, the terms "dealer," "licensee," or "persons licensed pursuant to Penal Code section 12071" have specific meanings under Penal

Code section 12070(a)(1).
1 A California dealer needs an FFL, but also a number of other licenses, a "Certificate of Eligibility" (COE), and must be listed on the states "centralized list" of firearm dealers. When referring to the California definition of the term "dealer" this memo will specifically identify the licensee as a "California dealer" so as to distinguish a California dealer from a federally licensed dealer.

B. "CURIO OR RELIC"

Under federal law, "curios or relics" are defined as any firearms that: are of special interest to collectors by reason of some quality other than is associated with firearms intended for sporting use or as offensive or defensive weapons. To be recognized as "curios or relics," firearms must fall within one of the following categories:

(a) Firearms which were manufactured at least 50 years prior to the current date, but not including replicas thereof;

(b) Firearms which are certified by the curator of a municipal, State, or Federal museum which exhibits firearms to be "curios or relics" of museum interest; and

(c) Any other firearms which derive a substantial part of their monetary value from the fact that they are novel, rare, bizarre, or because of their association with some historical figure, period, or event. Proof of qualification of a particular firearm under this category may be established by evidence of present value and evidence that like firearms are not available except as collector's items, or that the value of like firearms available in ordinary commercial channels is substantially less."2 Thus, "curios or relics" need not be more than 50 years old if they are "certified curios or relics" or if the firearm is so "novel, rare, bizarre," so as to be rare or substantially more expensive than like firearms.California law regulates transfers of "curio or relic"("C&R") firearms, but it does not define the term. Instead, California law adopts the federal definition of "curios or relics."
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Part 5

VI. NOTICE REQUIRED FOR IMPORTATION OF"CURIO OR RELIC" HANDGUNS BY LICENSED

COLLECTORS

Penal Code section 12072(f)(3) requires that licensed collectors importing handguns that are"curios or relics" into California notify the DOJ within five days of importing the firearm into the state:
Where a person who is licensed as a collector pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations issued pursuant thereto, whose licensed premises are within this state, acquires a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person that is a curio or relic, as defined in Section 178.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, outside of this state, takes actual possession of that firearm outside of this state pursuant to the provisions of subsection (j) of Section 923 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as amended by Public Law 104-208, and transports that firearm into this state, within five days of that licensed collector transporting that firearm into this state, he or she shall report to the department in a format prescribed by the department his or her acquisition of that firearm."

VII. EXEMPTION TO WAITING PERIOD FOR 03 / COLLECTOR FFLs WITH A COE

Penal Code sections 12071, 12072 and 12084 apply waiting periods to certain firearm transactions.
California Penal Code section 12078 (t) (1), however, expressly exempts the waiting period for transfers of "curios or relics" to "licensed collectors" with COEs. Specifically:
The waiting period described in Sections 12071, 12072, and 12084 shall not apply to the sale, delivery, loan, or transfer of a firearm that is a curio or relic, as defined in Section 178.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, by a dealer or through a law enforcement agency to a person who is licensed as a collector pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations issued pursuant thereto who has a current certificate of eligibility issued to him or her by the Department of Justice pursuant to Section 12071.
Thus, if you have both a "collectors license" and a Certificate of Eligibility, the waiting period does not apply so long as the firearm is a "curio or relic." If the firearm is not a "curio or relic" then the Penal Code section 12078(t)(1) exemption does not apply, and the firearm is subject to the ten day waiting period stated in Penal Code sections 12071, 12072 and 12084.4
Penal Code section 12072(t)(1) does apply, exempting the waiting period for "licensed collectors" with COEs, but also requires that:
On the date that the delivery, sale, or transfer is made, the dealer delivering the firearm or the law enforcement agency processing the transaction pursuant to Section 12084, shall forward by prepaid mail to the Department of Justice a report of the transaction pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 12077 or Section 12084. If the electronic or telephonic transfer of applicant information is used, on the date that the application to purchase is completed, the dealer delivering the firearm shall transmit to the Department of Justice an electronic or telephonic report of the transaction as is indicated in subdivision (b) or (c) of Section 12077. "Licensed collectors" not in the business of selling firearms are not required to become a "California dealer" since they are not selling, leasing or transferring firearms as is prohibited without a "California dealers" license by Penal Code section 12070(a). Instead, such collectors are acquiring curio or relic firearms for their collection. Thus, a "licensed collector" that is not selling, transferring, or leasing "curios or relics" may receive "curios or relics" from other FFLs if such transfers are exempt from Penal Code section 12072(d).
Thus, a rifle or shotgun (i.e. firearm that is not a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed) that is a "curio or relic" at least 50 years old may, on an infrequent basis, be transferred from a federally licensed dealer to a "licensed collector," and between private parties without going through a "California dealer."

VIII. EXEMPTION TO ONE-HANDGUN-A-MONTH FOR 03 / COLLECTOR FFLs WITH A COE

Penal Code section 12072(a)(9)(A) provides that "[n]o person shall make an application to purchase more than one pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person within any 30-day period." Penal Code section 12072(a)(9)(B)(x), however, provides a limited exemption to licensed collectors with COEs:
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to ... [a]ny person who is licensed as a collector pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations issued pursuant thereto and who has a current certificate of eligibility issued to him or her by the Department of Justice pursuant to Section 12071.
Thus, the 30 day waiting period does not apply to the transfer of "curios or relics" to"licensed collectors" with a COE.

more to come

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Part 6 Q&A

Here are some Ca specific FAQs from the calgunlaws website. Any questions regarding this info should be directed there.

CURIO OR RELIC INTERSTATE TRANSFER

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

[INTERSTATE TRANSFERS]


Q1. May a C&R FFL directly receive a long gun that is a "curio or relic" at least 50 years old in interstate commerce without a certificate of eligibility?

A1. Yes, on an infrequent basis from non "California dealers."
Generally, persons are prohibited from acquiring firearms from out-of-state. Specifically, 18 U.S.C. 922(a)(3) provides that:
It shall be unlawful for any person, other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector to transport into or receive in the State where he resides (or if the person is a corporation or other business entity, the State where it maintains a place of business) any firearm purchased or otherwise obtained by such person outside that State.
Multiple exceptions to this general rule exist. One exception stated above is made for "licensed collectors," which is defined by 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(13) as any person licensed to acquire, hold, or dispose of "curios or relics" under 18 U.S.C. 923. This exception exists because 18 U.S.C. 923(c) expressly allows "licensed collectors" to transport firearms in interstate commerce.
Upon the filing of a proper application and payment of the prescribed fee, the Attorney General shall issue to a qualified applicant the appropriate license which, subject to the provisions of this chapter and other applicable provisions of law, shall entitle the licensee to transport, ship, and receive firearms and ammunition covered by such license in interstate or foreign commerce during the period stated in the license.
But, under 18 U.S.C. 923(d)(1)(F)(I), "the business to be conducted under the license [must] not [be] prohibited by State or local law in the place where the licensed premise is located. Thus, unless otherwise prohibited in California, interstate transactions by "licensed collectors" are permitted.
In California, nothing in the Penal Code prohibits a "licensed collector"from receiving a curio or relic long-gun from out-of-state. In fact, certain procedures are in place to facilitate the importation of curio or relics. With regard to transfers by out-of-state federal firearm licensees to "licensed collectors," California law requires certain procedures be followed.
California permits the sale of firearms to "California dealers" by out-of-state FFLs. Specifically, California Penal Code section 12070(a) provides that (a) No person shall sell, lease, or transfer firearms unless he or she has been issued a license pursuant to Section 12071. Penal Code section 12070(b)(14), however, provides an exemption to Penal Code section 12070(a) for sales from out-of-state persons to "California dealers:"
Subdivision (a) does not include any [s]ales, deliveries, or transfers of firearms by persons who reside outside this state to persons licensed pursuant to Section 12071, if the sale, delivery, or transfer is in accordance with Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code, and the regulations issued pursuant thereto.
Thus, out-of-state sales of firearms, including "curios or relics," to "California dealers" are permitted.
Additionally, a "licensed collector" may directly receive a long gun that is a "curio or relic" at least 50 years old in interstate commerce without going through a "California dealer" or a certificate of eligibility. Specifically, Penal Code section 12072(f) provides that:
No person who is licensed pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code shall deliver, sell, or transfer a firearm to a person who is licensed pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and whose licensed premises are located in this state unless, ... [p]rior to January 1, 2005, the intended recipient does one of the following:

(i) Presents proof of licensure pursuant to Section 12071 to that person.

(ii) Presents proof that he or she is exempt from licensure under Section 12071 to that person, in which case the person also shall present proof that the transaction is also exempt from the provisions of subdivision (d).
Thus, out-of-state Federal Firearms Licensees may transfer firearms to California Federal Firearms Licensees that are not California licensed dealers if the recipient provides proof that they are exempt from licensure and that such a transaction is exempt from the provisions of 12072(d).
Collectors not in the business of selling firearms are not required to become "California dealers" since they are not selling, leasing or transferring firearms as is prohibited without a California Dealers License by Penal Code section 12070(a). But instead such collectors are acquiring firearms for their collection. Thus, a "licensed collector" not selling, transferring, or leasing "curios or relics" may receive "curios or relics" from other FFLs if such transfers are exempt from Penal Code section 12072(d).
Penal Code section 12078(t)(2), however, exempts the infrequent transfer of rifles or shotguns that are both "curios or relics" and that are at least 50 years old from the requirements of Penal Code section 12072(d). Specifically, Section 12078 (t)(2) exemption provides that:
Subdivision (d) of Section 12072 [see footnote 4] shall not apply to the infrequent sale, loan, or transfer of a firearm that is not a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person, which is a curio or relic manufactured at least 50 years prior to the current date, but not including replicas thereof, as defined in Section 178.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Thus, a rifle or shotgun (i.e. firearm that is not a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed) that is a "curio or relic" at least 50 years old may, on an infrequent basis, be transferred from a federally licensed dealer to a "licensed collector," and between private parties without going through a California licensed dealer.
Nothing in the Penal Code prohibits such transaction where the source of the transfer is an out-of-state party. Nothing in the Penal Code requires the recipient to possess a Certificate of Eligibility. Nor is the recipient from a non-licensee required to complete a Dealer Record of Sale form or undergo a background check.
Penal Code section 12078(t)(2) does not apply because Penal Code section 12072(d) only applies to transactions where neither party is a "California dealer." If the transferor is a California Licensee, then the general firearm transfer rules apply, with one exception applying to long-guns.
Penal Code section 12072(t)(1) applies, exempting the waiting period for "licensed collectors" with COEs, but also requires that:
On the date that the delivery, sale, or transfer is made, the dealer delivering the firearm or the law enforcement agency processing the transaction pursuant to Section 12084, shall forward by prepaid mail to the Department of Justice a report of the transaction pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 12077 or Section 12084. If the electronic or telephonic transfer of applicant information is used, on the date that the application to purchase is completed, the dealer delivering the firearm shall transmit to the Department of Justice an electronic or telephonic report of the transaction as is indicated in subdivision (b) or (c) of Section 12077.

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Part 7 FAQ cont.

Q2. If a long gun that is less than 50 years, but is otherwise a curio or relic (because it is either certified by the curator of a municipal, State, or Federal museum or is a long gun which derives a substantial part of their monetary value from the fact that they are novel, rare, bizarre), is transferred in interstate commerce must it be sent to "California dealer?"

A2. Yes. Generally, persons are prohibited from acquiring firearms from out-of-state. Specifically, 18 U.S.C. 922(a)(3) provides that:
It shall be unlawful for any person, other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector to transport into or receive in the State where he resides (or if the person is a corporation or other business entity, the State where it maintains a place of business) any firearm purchased or otherwise obtained by such person outside that State.
Multiple exceptions to this general rule exist. One exception stated above is made for "licensed collectors," which is defined by 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(13) as any person licensed to acquire, hold, or dispose of "curios or relics" under 18 U.S.C. 923. This exception exists because 18 U.S.C. 923(c) expressly allows "licensed collectors" to transport firearms in interstate commerce.
Upon the filing of a proper application and payment of the prescribed fee, the Attorney General shall issue to a qualified applicant the appropriate license which, subject to the provisions of this chapter and other applicable provisions of law, shall entitle the licensee to transport, ship, and receive firearms and ammunition covered by such license in interstate or foreign commerce during the period stated in the license.
But, under 18 U.S.C. 923(d)(1)(F)(I), "the business to be conducted under the license [must] not [be] prohibited by State or local law in the place where the licensed premise is located. Thus, unless otherwise prohibited in California, interstate transactions by "licensed collectors" are permitted.
California permits the sale of firearms to "California dealers" by out-of-state FFLs. Specifically, California Penal Code section 12070(a) provides that (a) No person shall sell, lease, or transfer firearms unless he or she has been issued a license pursuant to Section 12071. Penal Code section 12070(b)(14), however, provides an exemption to Penal Code section 12070(a) for sales from out-of-state persons to "California dealers:"
Subdivision (a) does not include any [s]ales, deliveries, or transfers of firearms by persons who reside outside this state to persons licensed pursuant to Section 12071, if the sale, delivery, or transfer is in accordance with Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code, and the regulations issued pursuant thereto.
Thus, out-of-state sales of firearms, including "curios or relics," to "California dealers" are permitted.
California permits the transfer of "curios or relics" less than 50 years old to "California dealers," but not to "licensed collector." While some exemptions allow the transfer by out-of-state persons of long gun "curios or relics" at least 50 years old to California residents, they do not apply to any "curios or relics" that are less than 50 years old. Specifically, Penal Code section 12072(f) provides that:
No person who is licensed pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code shall deliver, sell, or transfer a firearm to a person who is licensed pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and whose licensed premises are located in this state unless, ... Prior to January 1, 2005, the intended recipient does one of the following:
(i) Presents proof of licensure pursuant to Section 12071 to that person.

(ii) Presents proof that he or she is exempt from licensure under Section 12071 to that person, in which case the person also shall present proof that the transaction is also exempt from the provisions of subdivision (d).
Thus, out-of-state Federal Firearms Licensees may transfer firearms to California Federal Firearms Licensees that are not "California dealers" if the recipient provides proof that they are exempt from licensure and that such a transaction is exempt from the provisions of 12072(d). Collectors not in the business of selling firearms are not required to become "California dealers" since they are not selling, leasing or transferring firearms as is prohibited without a California Dealers License by Penal Code section 12070(a). But instead such collectors are acquiring firearms for their collection. Thus, a "licensed collector" not selling, transferring, or leasing "curios or relics" may receive "curios or relics" from other FFLs if such transfers are exempt from Penal Code section 12072(d).
Penal Code section 12072(d) states that "[w]here neither party to the transaction holds a [California] dealer's license issued pursuant to Section 12071, the parties to the transaction shall complete the sale, loan, or transfer of that firearm through either of the following:
(1) A licensed firearms dealer pursuant to Section 12082.

(2) A law enforcement agency pursuant to Section 12084.
Penal Code section 12078(t)(2) exempts the infrequent transfer of rifles or shotguns that are both "curios or relics" and that are at least 50 years old from the requirements of Penal Code section 12072(d). Specifically, Section 12078 (t)(2) exemption provides that:
Subdivision (d) of Section 12072 [see footnote 4] shall not apply to the infrequent sale, loan, or transfer of a firearm that is not a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person, which is a curio or relic manufactured at least 50 years prior to the current date, but not including replicas thereof, as defined in Section 178.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
But this exemption is limited to "curio or relic" long guns at least 50 years old. Nothing exempts the transfer of curio or relics that are less than 50 years of age.
Thus, a rifle or shotgun (i.e. firearm that is not a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed) that is a "curio or relic" 50 years old or less may not transferred from a federally licensed dealer to a "licensed collector," or between private parties without going through a "California dealer" as required by Penal Code sections 12072(b)(14), 12072(d) and 12072(f)(i).

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Part 8 FAQ cont.

Q3. Must a curio or relic handgun being transferred (i.e. not personally imported) into California, be transferred only to "California dealers?" If so, what exemptions do collectors have?

A3. Yes. Generally, persons are prohibited from importing firearms from out-of-state. Specifically, 18 U.S.C. 922(a)(3) provides that:

It shall be unlawful for any person, other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector to transport into or receive in the State where he resides (or if the person is a corporation or other business entity, the State where it maintains a place of business) any firearm purchased or otherwise obtained by such person outside that State.

Multiple exceptions to this general rule exist. One exception stated above is made for "licensed collectors," which is defined by 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(13) as any person licensed to acquire, hold, or dispose of "curios or relics" under 18 U.S.C. 923. This exception exists because 18 U.S.C. 923(c) expressly allows "licensed collectors" to transport firearms in interstate commerce.

Upon the filing of a proper application and payment of the prescribed fee, the Attorney General shall issue to a qualified applicant the appropriate license which, subject to the provisions of this chapter and other applicable provisions of law, shall entitle the licensee to transport, ship, and receive firearms and ammunition covered by such license in interstate or foreign commerce during the period stated in the license.

But, under 18 U.S.C. 923(d)(1)(F)(I), "the business to be conducted under the license [must] not [be] prohibited by State or local law in the place where the licensed premise is located. Thus, unless otherwise prohibited in California, interstate transactions by "licensed collectors" are permitted.

California permits the sale of firearms to "California dealers" by out-of-state FFLs. Specifically, California Penal Code section 12070(a) provides that (a) No person shall sell, lease, or transfer firearms unless he or she has been issued a license pursuant to Section 12071. Penal Code section 12070(b)(14), however, provides an exemption to Penal Code section 12070(a) for sales from out-of-state persons to "California dealers:"

Subdivision (a) does not include any [s]ales, deliveries, or transfers of firearms by persons who reside outside this state to persons licensed pursuant to Section 12071, if the sale, delivery, or transfer is in accordance with Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code, and the regulations issued pursuant thereto.

Thus, out-of-state sales of firearms, including "curios or relics," to "California dealers" are expressly permitted.

Additinally, Penal Code section 12072(f) provides that:

No person who is licensed pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code shall deliver, sell, or transfer a firearm to a person who is licensed pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and whose licensed premises are located in this state unless, ... Prior to January 1, 2005, the intended recipient does one of the following:


(i) Presents proof of licensure pursuant to Section 12071 to that person.

(ii) Presents proof that he or she is exempt from licensure under Section 12071 to that person, in which case the person also shall present proof that the transaction is also exempt from the provisions of subdivision (d).

Thus, out-of-state federal firearms licensees may transfer firearms to California federal firearms licensees that are not "California dealers" if the recipient provides proof that they are exempt from California licensure and that such a transaction is exempt from the provisions of 12072(d).

Collectors not in the business of selling firearms are not required to become "California dealers" since they are not selling, leasing or transferring firearms as is prohibited without a California Dealers License by Penal Code section 12070(a). But instead such collectors are acquiring firearms for their collection. Thus, a "licensed collector" not selling, transferring, or leasing "curios or relics" may receive "curios or relics" from other FFLs if such transfers are exempt from Penal Code section 12072(d).


Penal Code section 12072(d) states that "[w]here neither party to the transaction holds a [California] dealer's license issued pursuant to Section 12071, the parties to the transaction shall complete the sale, loan, or transfer of that firearm through either of the following:

(1) A licensed firearms dealer pursuant to Section 12082.

(2) A law enforcement agency pursuant to Section 12084.


Penal Code section 12078(t)(2) exempts the infrequent transfer of rifles or shotguns that are both "curios or relics" and that are at least 50 years old from the requirements of Penal Code section 12072(d). Specifically, Section 12078 (t)(2) exemption provides that:

Subdivision (d) of Section 12072 [see footnote 4] shall not apply to the infrequent sale, loan, or transfer of a firearm that is not a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person, which is a curio or relic manufactured at least 50 years prior to the current date, but not including replicas thereof, as defined in Section 178.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations.


But this exemption only applies to long-gun "curios or relics" that are at least 50 years old. Nothing exempts the transfer (as opposed to the personal importation) of handgun curio or relic. Thus, a handgun curio or relic may not transferred from a federally licensed dealer to a "licensed collector," or between private parties without going through a California licensed dealer as required by Penal Code sections 12072(b)(14), 12072(d) and 12072(f)(i).

Unless otherwise exempted, the "California dealers" obligations with regard to private party transfers still apply, such as Dealer Record of Sale forms and background checks. Two exemptions apply to "licensed collectors" with regard to handguns.


First, though Penal Code section 12072(a)(9)(A) provides that "[n]o person shall make an application to purchase more than one pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person within any 30-day period," Penal Code section 12072(a)(9)(B)(x) provides a limited exemption to licensed collectors with COEs:

Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to ... [a]ny person who is licensed as a collector pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations issued pursuant thereto and who has a current certificate of eligibility issued to him or her by the Department of Justice pursuant to Section 12071.

Thus, the one-handgun-a-month law does not apply to the transfer of "curios or relics" to "licensed collectors" with COEs.

Second, Penal Code sections 12071, 12072 and 12084 apply waiting periods to certain firearm transactions. California Penal Code section 12078 (t) (1), however, expressly exempts the waiting period for transfers of "curios or relics" to "licensed collectors" with a COE. Specifically:

The waiting period described in Sections 12071, 12072, and 12084 shall not apply to the sale, delivery, loan, or transfer of a firearm that is a "curio or relic," as defined in Section 178.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, by a dealer or through a law enforcement agency to a person who is licensed as a collector pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations issued pursuant thereto who has a current certificate of eligibility issued to him or her by the Department of Justice pursuant to Section 12071.
Thus, if a "licensed collector" has a Certificate of Eligibility, the waiting period does not apply so long as the firearm is a "curio or relic."

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Part 9 FAQ cont.

[INTERSTATE IMPORTATION]

Q4. May a "licensed collector" go out-of-state, acquire a "curio or relic" handgun, and import it into CA if reported within 5 days?

A4. Yes. Generally, persons are prohibited from importing firearms from out-of-state. Specifically, 18 U.S.C. 922(a)(3) provides that:

It shall be unlawful for any person, other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector to transport into or receive in the State where he resides (or if the person is a corporation or other business entity, the State where it maintains a place of business) any firearm purchased or otherwise obtained by such person outside that State.
Multiple exceptions to this general rule exist. One exception stated above is made for "licensed collectors," which is defined by 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(13) as any person licensed to acquire, hold, or dispose of "curios or relics" under 18 U.S.C. 923. This exception exists because 18 U.S.C. 923(c) expressly allows "licensed collectors" to transport firearms in interstate commerce.
Upon the filing of a proper application and payment of the prescribed fee, the Attorney General shall issue to a qualified applicant the appropriate license which, subject to the provisions of this chapter and other applicable provisions of law, shall entitle the licensee to transport, ship, and receive firearms and ammunition covered by such license in interstate or foreign commerce during the period stated in the license.

But, under 18 U.S.C. 923(d)(1)(F)(I), "the business to be conducted under the license [must] not [be] prohibited by State or local law in the place where the licensed premise is located. Thus, unless otherwise prohibited in California, interstate transactions by "licensed collectors" are permitted.

This transaction occurs wholly outside of California. Nothing in the California Penal Code prohibits "licensed collector" from acquiring "curio or relic" handguns out-of-state and importing them into the state. In fact, specific law has been created to facilitate and track the importation of "curio or relic" handguns. Specifically, Penal Code section 12072(f)(3) requires that "licensed collectors" importing handguns that are"curios or relics" into California to notify the DOJ within five days of importing the firearm into the state:
Where a person who is licensed as a collector pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations issued pursuant thereto, whose licensed premises are within this state, acquires a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person that is a "curio or relic," as defined in Section 178.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, outside of this state, takes actual possession of that firearm outside of this state pursuant to the provisions of subsection (j) of Section 923 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as amended by Public Law 104-208, and transports that firearm into this state, within five days of that licensed collector transporting that firearm into this state, he or she shall report to the department in a format prescribed by the department his or her acquisition of that firearm.

Thus, a "licensed collector" may go to an out-of-state gun show, acquire a "curio or relic" handgun, and import it into CA if reported within 5 days.

Q5. Can a "licensed collector" go out-of-state with and acquire a "curio or relic" long gun at least 50 years old, return to California with the firearm, and not report the firearm acquisition?

A5. Yes. Generally, persons are prohibited from acquiring firearms out-of-state. Specifically, 18 U.S.C. 922(a)(3) provides that:
It shall be unlawful for any person, other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector to transport into or receive in the State where he resides (or if the person is a corporation or other business entity, the State where it maintains a place of business) any firearm purchased or otherwise obtained by such person outside that State.
Multiple exceptions to this general rule exist. One exception is made for "licensed collectors," which is defined by 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(13) as any person licensed to acquire, hold, or dispose of "curios or relics" under 18 U.S.C. 923. This exception exists because 18 U.S.C. 923(c) expressly allows "licensed collectors" to transport firearms in interstate commerce:
Upon the filing of a proper application and payment of the prescribed fee, the Attorney General shall issue to a qualified applicant the appropriate license which, subject to the provisions of this chapter and other applicable provisions of law, shall entitle the licensee to transport, ship, and receive firearms and ammunition covered by such license in interstate or foreign commerce during the period stated in the license.
But, under 18 U.S.C. 923(d)(1)(F)(I), "the business to be conducted under the license [must] not [be] prohibited by State or local law in the place where the licensed premise is located. Thus, unless otherwise prohibited in California, interstate transactions by "licensed collectors" are permitted.
In California, nothing in the Penal Code prohibits "licensed collector" from acquiring "curio or relic" rifles or shotguns at least 50 years old out-of-state and importing them into the state.
In fact, though no specific law directly regulates such a transaction, specific law have been created for to facilitate and track the importation of "curio or relic" handguns. Thus, had California desired to imposed similar reporting requirements or prohibit the same type of transaction involving long guns they would have. Specifically, Penal Code section 12072(f)(3) requires that "licensed collectors" importing handguns that are"curios or relics" into California notify the DOJ within five days of importing the firearm into the state:
Where a person who is licensed as a collector pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations issued pursuant thereto, whose licensed premises are within this state, acquires a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person that is a "curio or relic," as defined in Section 178.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, outside of this state, takes actual possession of that firearm outside of this state pursuant to the provisions of subsection (j) of Section 923 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as amended by Public Law 104-208, and transports that firearm into this state, within five days of that licensed collector transporting that firearm into this state, he or she shall report to the department in a format prescribed by the department his or her acquisition of that firearm."

No similar reporting provision applies to the importation of long gun "curios or relics" that are at least 50 years old.
Thus, a "licensed collector" may go out-of-state, acquire a "curio or relic" that is at least 50 years old, and import it into CA without reporting it.

[socal57chevy]

Part 10 FAQ the end

Q6. Is a person prohibited from going out-of-state to acquire a "curio or relic" long gun that is less than 50 years, unless the acquisition is shipped to licensed California "dealer."

A6. Yes. Generally, persons are prohibited from acquiring firearms out-of-state. Specifically, 18 U.S.C. 922(a)(3) provides that:

It shall be unlawful for any person, other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector to transport into or receive in the State where he resides (or if the person is a corporation or other business entity, the State where it maintains a place of business) any firearm purchased or otherwise obtained by such person outside that State.

Multiple exceptions to this general rule exist. One exception is made for "licensed collectors," which is defined by 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(13) as any person licensed to acquire, hold, or dispose of "curios or relics" under 18 U.S.C. 923. This exception exists because 18 U.S.C. 923(c) expressly allows "licensed collectors" to transport firearms in interstate commerce:

Upon the filing of a proper application and payment of the prescribed fee, the Attorney General shall issue to a qualified applicant the appropriate license which, subject to the provisions of this chapter and other applicable provisions of law, shall entitle the licensee to transport, ship, and receive firearms and ammunition covered by such license in interstate or foreign commerce during the period stated in the license.

But, under 18 U.S.C. 923(d)(1)(F)(I), "the business to be conducted under the license [must] not [be] prohibited by State or local law in the place where the licensed premise is located. Thus, unless otherwise prohibited in California, interstate transactions by "licensed collectors" are permitted.

In California, nothing in the Penal Code prohibits a "licensed collector" from acquiring "curio or relic" rifles or shotguns less than 50 years out-of-state and importing them into the state.

In fact, though no specific law directly regulates such a transaction, specific law have been created for to facilitate and track the importation of "curio or relic" handguns. Thus, had California desired to imposed similar reporting requirements or prohibit the same type of transaction involving long guns they would have. Specifically, Penal Code section 12072(f)(3) requires that "licensed collectors" importing handguns that are"curios or relics" into California notify the DOJ within five days of importing the firearm into the state:
Where a person who is licensed as a collector pursuant to Chapter 44 (commencing with Section 921) of Title 18 of the United States Code and the regulations issued pursuant thereto, whose licensed premises are within this state, acquires a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person that is a "curio or relic," as defined in Section 178.11 of Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations, outside of this state, takes actual possession of that firearm outside of this state pursuant to the provisions of subsection (j) of Section 923 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as amended by Public Law 104-208, and transports that firearm into this state, within five days of that licensed collector transporting that firearm into this state, he or she shall report to the department in a format prescribed by the department his or her acquisition of that firearm."

No similar reporting provision applies to the importation of long gun "curios or relics" that are less than 50 years. Thus, a "licensed collector" may go out-of-state, acquire a "curio or relic" that is less than 50 years, and import it into CA without reporting it.

[socal57chevy]

Hey kids....can we sticky this?

I started to go back and highlight some important areas, but had a hard time saving some of them so some key points in the first few posts are not highlighted.

[Telpierion]

While this is very nice and in depth, EOD's write up is much clearer and more to the point. That should be stickied as well.

[RRangel]

You may want to keep in mind that cutting and pasting someone else's work from another site is not exactly kosher.

[socal57chevy]

You may want to keep in mind that cutting and pasting someone else's work from another site is not exactly kosher.

Still no response to the May 1 email to calgunlaws. I will delete the posts as described in the PM if you like. Let me know.