I've been putting this off for a long time. Getting back into C&R stuff now, though, and will definitely save money on transfers. Just not sure I like the idea of my CLEO knowing about it... or the idea of ATF being able to drop in and snoop. Thoughts?

Depends how many items you're going to order and what cost it is at the LGS to do a transfer.  If you're going to buy one C&R, likely the answer is no.  If you're going to mix and match 10x?  Likely the answer is yes.  CLEO won't care, just more paperwork on his desk.  ATF dropping in?  Keep your record like you're supposed to and if by some freak chance they do show up, what's the problem?  Give them some coffee, show them the book, show them the C&R rifles...done.

The fact that pricing on C&R items is going up, up, and away is where you should focus the question of whether it's worth it to you.

Oh, man.  ATF's gonna be at your door every day.  Probably make you give them free coffee, and the sheriff will have your house staked out 24x7 as a potential terrorist.

Seriously, most C&R holders will never get an audit; and the ATF cannot just show up at your door and demand to see the premises like they can once a year with an actual business FFL (01/02/07, etc). So your CLEO will know you're a collector - so what?  Even as an NFA manufacturer FFL I only got a compliance inspection once every five years or so - and the ATF devotes a lot more time to policing machinegun manufacturers than they do to harassing collectors.

If it's even marginally useful, a C&R is dead easy and inexpensive, too.  Only if it's not useful to you at all should you not bother.

ATF cannot just drop in and snoop (well they can but if that comes about you better already have a lawyer because they have a warrant). If they show up unannounced, set up an appointment to meet them at their office with your bound book and undisposed items in the bound book.

Get the license, you'll be poorer for it.

They don't just "drop in". And your CLEO has bigger fish to fry.

(ETA) if you are worried about being on a list you probably already are.

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In the C&R world, condition is everything. That means personal inspection before buying. Buying mail order means buying sight unseen.

As a collector, I would say that a C&R FFL is of marginal utility. I had one once, and eventually dropped it.

03FFL is definitely worth it in my mind, I have only had mine for a year and it has paid for itself several times over just in the Brownells discount alone, not to mention the transfer fees I have saved.  Regardless of milsurp prices in the future I will be renewing mine when it is up, because it is really nice to have.

I got one and it wasn't any trouble at all.

Unfortunately, the C&R market is really dried up in terms of affordable guns.

I did manage to get a cherry, perfect Polish P-64 from AIM, and it was great having it delivered to my front door.

C&R-eligible guns have gone way up in price. Don't know how much more use I'll get out of my 03FFL.

I just sent in my paperwork today.  Like the OP, I have been thinking about it for a while.  But, I had focused on modern rifles for the past couple of years.  I'm getting back into the historical pieces again.  The C&R market has changed quite a bit since I bought my first Mosin (in 2003), but there are still some good deals out there.  I may only get a couple C&R guns a year, but the transfer fee charged by my LGS is $25, so the C&R will pay for itself after one purchase.

Let's not forget that there are plenty of S&Ws , Colts, Remingtons, etc that are passing the 50 year old mark. More and more each day..
and though they may not be "cheap" , they are affordable on gunbroker and the like.. and having them delivered to your door is VERY sweet.

Get your 03, your wallet will hate you. "If" your married you may not be after a year or two

I had one.  Not worth the hassle, IMO, if you have a good FFL.

I keep debating whether I'm going to let mine expire, but just when I thought I was out they pull me back in.





This came from Aim a couple of months ago. It's still nice to get stuff shipped direct.







 

If the seller actually knows what an 03 FFL is and is willing to ship to them.  I am finding less and less that actually will. :(

Especially true for C&R eligible handguns I've found!