very clearly states that firearm must be in complete condition to maintain C+R status - military imports are different matter - my name + email address are removed from this email copy -
833895 RE: C+R question -
You replied on Thu 4/1/2021 5:08 PM
You replied on Thu 4/1/2021 5:08 PM
FIPB Regulatory Email Inquiries <FIPB.Regulatory.Email.Inquiries@usdoj.gov>
Thu 4/1/2021 3:18 PM
Mr.XXXXXX
Thank you for your recent inquiry to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This is in response to your email, in which you inquired about buying and selling firearms by a Type 03 Collector of Curios and Relics Federal Firearms License (FFL).
A person may obtain a collector’s license. However, this license applies only to transactions in curio or relic firearms. A dealer’s license must be obtained to engage in the business of dealing in any firearms, including curios or relics.
Please see this ATF FAQ (emphasis added):
What firearms are considered to be curio and relic firearms?
Curio and relic firearms are defined as firearms which are of special interest to collectors because they possess some qualities not ordinarily associated with firearms intended for sporting use or as offensive or defensive weapons. To be recognized as a curio or relic, firearms must fall within one of the following categories:
(1) Firearms manufactured at least 50 years prior the current date, but not including replicas thereof;
(2) Firearms certified by the curator of a municipal, State, or Federal museum which exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of museum interest; and
(3) Firearms which derive a substantial part of their monetary value from the fact that they are novel, rare, or bizarre or from the fact of their association with some historical figure, period, or event.
### ATF has recognized only complete, assembled firearms as curios or relics. ATF’s classification of surplus military firearms as curios or relics has extended only to those firearms in their original military configuration. Frames or receivers of curios or relics are not generally recognized as curios or relics. ###
Collectors wishing to obtain a determination whether a particular firearm qualifies for classification as curio or relic may submit a written request for a determination to ATF’s Firearms Technology Branch. ATF’s classifications of curios and relics firearms are published in ATF Publication 5300.11.
Please see all Collectors FAQs.
In addition, there may be State laws that pertain to this proposed activity. Contact State Police units or the office of your State Attorney General (
www.naag.org) for information on any such requirements. You may also find information in ATF publication 5300.5, State Laws and Published Ordinances - Firearms.
We trust the foregoing has been responsive to your inquiry. Should you have additional questions, please contact your local ATF office. A listing of ATF office phone numbers can be found here.
Regards,
L. Babbie | Firearms Enforcement Specialist
U.S. Department of Justice | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Firearms Industry Programs Branch
99 New York Avenue NE, Mail Stop 6.N-518
Washington, DC 20226