So, you wish to join the ranks of the few, the proud, the Type 03 FFL holders. . . the CRUFFLERS????  Ok.  Repeat after me, three times:  "To live is to cruffle, to cruffle is to live. . . ."

Still with me?  Good, because it's not that easy.  Before we get into the procedures involved, let's take a moment to discuss what a Collector of Curios or Relics Federal Firearms License is, and more importantly, what it is NOT.  (This is known as the Cruffler's Advice on Avoiding Enforced Stays at Club Fed.)

a) A Type 03 FFL is *NOT* a license to engage in a business of any kind.  Use it as such, and not only do you risk forfeiture of your license, but also federal criminal charges.  In other words, bad juju.  What constitutes engaging in a business is often the subject of debate, but it boils down to intent and appearance.  If your intent, upon the sale of a firearm is to enhance your collection, then you're fine.  If your intent is to earn a living, or if it appears that you are doing so for that reason, you stand to place yourself in serious jeopardy.

b) A Type 03 FFL does *NOT* entitle you to purchase and/or receive any gun you want from any source.  You may only purchase and/or receive those firearms that are either 1) demonstrably 50 years or more in age or 2) specifically mentioned in the Curios or Relics List published by the BATF.  For further clarification on this point, we strongly suggest that you either follow the links to the List that are found in various places here at Cruffler.com, or download the compressed self-executing version of the List by clicking here

Good!  You're still here.  Now that we've educated you as to the pitfalls, we can get into the meat of why you're here - namely the steps you need to take towards the issuance of your very own Type 03 FFL.

1)  The first thing you'll need to do is get the application forms.  This can be accomplished by either calling the BATF Firearms and Explosives Licensing Center in Atlanta, Georgia (404-417-2750) (FAX:  404-417-2751) and requesting a Curio or Relic FFL application or by downloading the application forms in PDF format by clicking here.What?  You don't have a reader for PDF files?  Not a problem.  You can get it (for free!) by clicking here 

2) Read the instructions on the form.

3) Fill out two copies of the form, and double check it against the instructions.

4) You will need to mail the completed form as well as a check or money order for $30.00 to the BATF address listed in the instructions.

5) You will also need to mail a signed original of the form to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) in your area.  Failure to do so is a violation of federal regulation and may result in a non-issuance of your license or worse.  If you are unsure of who the CLEO in your area is, call your local police or sheriff's office and politely ask.  We also suggest you send the form with a brief cover letter, something to the effect of:

Dear Chief Localpolice:

Enclosed please find, as per federal regulation, a copy of my ATF Form 7CR.  You are not required to take any action with respect to the enclosed form.  If I can be of any service, or if there are any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the address above.  With kindest regards,  I remain

                                                Very truly yours,
 

                                                 I.M. Gonnacollect

6) Assuming that you haven't a criminal record, and that you've completed the forms properly, you should receive your license within 4 to 8 weeks.

7) Once you receive your license DO NOT SIGN IT!  Make about 50 - 60 copies, and put it away in a safe place.  You'll need the copies to sign and send to the various businesses and individuals from whom you will be purchasing your collectable and historic firearms - this is the only way they will have proof that you are a licensee, and consequently they will not ship a firearm to you without having a signed copy on hand.  Send your signed license copy with a cover letter, something to the effect of:

Dear Sir or Madam:

Enclosed please find a signed copy of my Type 03, Curio and Relics, Federal Firearms License.  Please keep this on file so that we may do business in the future.  Also,if you would send me a copy of your latest catalogue or sales flyer, and place me on the mailing list for same, I would be most appreciative.  With kindest regards, I remain,

                                                Very truly yours,
 

                                                I.M. Gonnacollect

8) You will now need two things, a list of wholesalers and dealers to send your signed license copies to, and a "Bound Book" in which to keep the firearms acquisition and disposition records required by law.

For the Bound Book, we suggest that you contact RK Enterprises at 805 687-1416.  Bob Kohn, the owner has put an enormous amount of effort into putting together a bound book and information package that is very useful in helping C&R licensees negotiate the somewhat convoluted recordkeeping rules.  The package costs $23.95 + 4.95 S&H, and is worth every penny.  If you're more interested in keeping costs down, you can try Brownell's, a full service gunsmith/dealer supply house, who also gives trade discounts to Type 03 FFL holders, but the language used in the Brownell's bound book is not as helpful as the RK Enterprises product.

For the dealer/wholesaler listing, we recommend subscriptions to two trade publications - The Shotgun News, and the Gun List.  Shotgun News comes out three times a month, and the Gun List biweekly.  Both of these contain thousands of advertisements for firearms and firearms related accessories.

And that's all there is to it.  If you have any questions, your best bet is to call BATF at (404) 679-5040.  However, we at Cruffler.com will be happy to try to answer your questions as well, feel free to email us!
 
 

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