C&R Eligible

C&R Eligible

Curio and Relic (C&R) firearms are a category defined by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in the US. These firearms are considered to be of special interest to collectors due to characteristics beyond their use as a weapon. 

 

Here's a breakdown of what qualifies a firearm as a Curio or Relic:

 

Age: The most common qualifier is being at least 50 years old.
This means a firearm manufactured in 1974 or earlier (as of 2024) would likely be considered a C&R. Replicas of these older firearms don't qualify. 


Museum Certification: A firearm can be classified as C&R if a curator from a qualified museum deems it to be a historical artifact.
 
Unique Features: Firearms with unique designs, historical significance, or rarity can also qualify as C&R, even if they are less than 50 years old.


There are benefits to owning C&R firearms, such as:

 

Easier Purchase: A Collector of Curios and Relics (C&R) Federal Firearms License (FFL) allows you to purchase qualifying firearms directly from licensed dealers without going through a traditional dealer transfer process, which can save time and money.
 
Important to Remember:

 

C&R eligibility is determined by the ATF, so it's important to consult their guidelines or seek advice from a licensed firearms dealer for specific cases.
 
Even C&R firearms are subject to some federal regulations, so be sure to understand the laws in your area before purchasing.