C&R license--how likely is the BATF visit?

Status
Not open for further replies.
D

Deus Machina

Member
Joined
May 24, 2007
Messages
3,174
Location
Brandon, Florida
So seriously considering getting a C&R license because, to be honest, I'm getting addicted to commie guns. I'm almost saddened that I broke my streak with a Taurus recently. :rolleyes:

Anyway, I saw in the rules as such that ATF can make an annual visit to check you out, or drop by if they think you're doing something they might complain about which, let's face it, is all the time.

I don't have anything to hide, but I also can't afford--monetarily or structurally (I'm on a second-floor apartment) a big stout gun safe. I'm also just generally opposed to people demanding to root through my stuff.

Right now, my rifles are rendered inoperable (bolts removed and locked elswhere) and in the corner of my closet. One pistol is treated the same, another is in the bedside drawer, and the third is on my person.

So, how likely is a visit from the BATFE? If you're visited, is the safe mandatory? If so, would one of the $150 ones from big-box stores pass muster?

I tried to find this on the website, but after a couple paragraphs of the rules, my brain just went into 'uh-durrr' mode.
 
C&R..

I'd say they would be happy with a locked gun cabinet, I really doubt they'd require a safe built to withstand a home fire or something that extreme.

As for how likely that it would be to get a visit from the BATFE, I'd bet if you're operating legally, with normal type buys of guns, not case lots every few days, and you're keeping your bound book legal, you'll have no problems. Those guys have a lot bigger fish to fry than a regular guy collector who buys a few guns every few months.

Now, this is just my opinion, I can't say I have any real legal experience to give in this regard, and I'd not advise you to get a C&R if that worries you. But doing so gives you a lot easier and cheaper method of getting some pretty nice surplus firearms for your collection. Older military weapons are my passion, I like the idea of holding and using a firearm that has history to it.
 
Well, I do plan on getting a small cheap safe for the closet, anyway. So if that would be sufficient, it wouldn't be a problem.

My bigger concern is if a visiting agent would shove his way into the apartment and say "I'm gonna root around in your filing cabinet, closet, and whatever else I feel like." or if it would be closer to "Hi, I heard you bought this last week. Can you let me see the gun and paperwork, please?"

I'm just not a fan of people who think they're the big boy, on any level, and unfortunately most of my deals with anyone that moves paperwork around have been such.
 
The only thing they want to look at is the your bound book, safe and your guns( all of them) Remember they also enforce state laws.

Chance of them doing a inspection are very slim, unless your doing something you should not be.
 
For a C&R holder, an inspection is unlikely, but still possible.

You aren't required to have a safe to have a C&R. You aren't a dealer and the same requirements don't apply.

And, as a C&R holder, if you do come up for a compliance inspection, you have the option of doing it at the ATF office instead of at your home.
 
A locked closet will be plenty as far as ATF is concerned.

As a C&R holder, you have the option of either having the ATF come over to your house for a visit, or you can arrange to bring your guns and bound to them at their office. So you don't have to let them in your house for an inspection if you don't want to.
 
I recieved my application in the mail a month or two ago, but I haven't filled it out yet. I'm a little concerned about the uptick, however small, in people getting vistited. Seems like it used to happen "almost never", but now it is merely "very unlikely". I might wait until later this year to decide whether or not to go through with the C&R... a small part of me wonders if perhaps C&R is one of those areas that are "already on the books" that they have decided they want to do a better job of "enforcing".
 
If you are contemplating doing something that might not stand up to BATFE scrutiny, maybe a C&R License isn’t the way to go as it does put you on the radar.
 
What kind of secure storage is required for C&R? Is anything required?
Click to expand...

None.

C&R is not a dealer license; it is a collector license. Keep your bound book up to date and meticulous, you'll never have a problem.

I should add, however, that because C&R is not a dealer license, you cannot engage in the business of selling firearms. You can sell off your personal collection, but if dozens of SKS's or somesuch start turning up on the street having originated from your address, you could be in trouble. One other detail is that us C&R guys have to adhere to a few other parts of 18 USC 922, such as not selling long guns to minors or handguns to anyone under 21.
 
C & R

I;ve had one for quite a few years now, and well a gun safe is outta the question as I have way too many, some of course are in the safee, in a gun cabinet, in a locked storage container and a locked room.
Never had a visit, but since I am applying for a full FFL, I expect them to do the usual site visit and perhaps at that time inquire about the c & r
we';ll see. good luck, with a c & r you can plan on being bitten by the milsurp bug and go all out, as I have a addict personality, I am broke all the time, I always find something I must have.:D
 
So I dont even need to use a trigger lock or one of those wire locks than run through the chamber?
 
So I dont even need to use a trigger lock or one of those wire locks than run through the chamber?
Click to expand...

Maybe, maybe not. Check your local laws and ordinances. Some states or localities have laws about having firearms locked if there are minors in the house, etc.
 
If your state or local laws require it, then yes. C&Rs aren't excused from state and local regulations.:)
 
No minors in my house. State law only requires firearms locked or stored if there are minors. So that doesn't apply. Does that mean I can leave just leave a C&R Mosin in my closet?
 
No minors in my house. State law only requires firearms locked or stored if there are minors. So that doesn't apply. Does that mean I can leave just leave a C&R Mosin in my closet?
Click to expand...

Or wherever else you feel like. I don't recommend hanging it in your front window, but it would be legal.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Tabequache
  • Locked
C&R FFL License
2
Replies
27
Views
2K
yugorpk
Y
H
  • Locked
C&R question: Has anyone had their "educational visit" from the ATF?
Replies
18
Views
2K
graywolfls
G
G
  • Locked
Finally got my C&R. 4 1/2 months later.
Replies
4
Views
385
S_O_Laban
S
D
  • Locked
C&R License: Use it or lose it?
Replies
20
Views
2K
zoom6zoom
Z
jimmyraythomason
  • Locked
How Long For C&R License?
2
Replies
26
Views
1K
jimmyraythomason
jimmyraythomason
Back
Top