C&R Advice

[Mr. Mosin]

Just applied for a C&R, waiting on it. In the meantime… questions. I’ve absolutely little to no interest in imports, nor in but a handful of long arms- my main desire and curiosity are the older Colt and S&W revolvers (Pocket Positive, Terrier, Lemon Squeezer), and the earlier Stateside automatics (Colt Pocket Hammerless, Vest Pocket, etc).

What to watch for in regards to these ? I’m aware the old Colt revolvers are becoming difficult to find competent gunsmiths for; and parts for all of em are drying up somewhat. I also think I’d be correct in guessing most of what I’m interested in would fall into the category of “carried a lot, shot little”, or “carried a lot, shot never”.

 

[jstert]

Just applied for a C&R, waiting on it. In the meantime… questions. I’ve absolutely little to no interest in imports, nor in but a handful of long arms- my main desire and curiosity are the older Colt and S&W revolvers (Pocket Positive, Terrier, Lemon Squeezer), and the earlier Stateside automatics (Colt Pocket Hammerless, Vest Pocket, etc).

What to watch for in regards to these ? I’m aware the old Colt revolvers are becoming difficult to find competent gunsmiths for; and parts for all of em are drying up somewhat. I also think I’d be correct in guessing most of what I’m interested in would fall into the category of “carried a lot, shot little”, or “carried a lot, shot never”.

i have had a c&r license “just because” for many years. i used it exactly once to buy a 1922 colt police positive 32 revolver. it saved a few bucks and a few minutes at the gun store. the colt is still a solid shooter after 100+ years but 32 is a soft round anyway. its finish isn’t pristine but who looks good at the century mark? i suspect that it was in some deceased grampa’s sock drawer for decades and sold off because way too untactical. certainly the gun shop owner was clueless about it, even described it wrong on his website.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

If you do many road trips, keep a copy in the glove box, as you may run into something which you can pick up with the C&R but would have to mess with shipping back to an FFL if you didn't have it.

Also, be prepared to explain it to some dealers and accept that some won't take it no matter how legal it may be. I just politely leave then with my $$.

 

[Mr. Mosin]

More of a “what to watch for” in buying things of this category. I find something I like that ubiquitous, I’ve absolutely no issue in refinishing it for social work.

 

[halfmoonclip]

More of a “what to watch for” in buying things of this category. I find something I like that ubiquitous, I’ve absolutely no issue in refinishing it for social work.

Mr. Mosin, I've kept mine active for many years, only used it occasionally. The license is inexpensive, and renewals offer minimal malarkey. Taking it along out of state hadn't crossed my mind (good tip, Ohen Cepal!). Surprisingly, anything 50 years old might qualify. Not all dealers want to mess with them; mine got me a 1910/55 Browning recently, with minimal hassle, and an H&K squeeze cocker (back when they were cheap).
Moon