In 2036 all NFA Guns registered just before the cut off May 1986

[CandRHolder]

Let's see if I have my math right?

 

Some NFA Guns are already 50 years or older and , as such, are considered by the ATF to be classified a a Curio and Relic, (Manufacture date is older than 50 years from current date).

 

In the year 2036 ALL NFA Machine Guns and AOW registered in May of 1986 will become 50 years old.(2026 MINUS 1986 = 50).

 

Therefore in 2036 these 50 year old, or older, NFA Guns will be eligible to transfer via Form 4 and interstate from an ATF C&R License Holder(Seller) to a valid ATF C&R License holder(Buyer).

 

I hope they don't change the rules for us C&R Collectors, (as I'll hopefully still be alive. in 2036)

 

Thoughts?

Joe

[johnsonlmg41]

All transferable machine guns  currently meet the definition of C+R.  No one has pushed the issue yet to get them to recognize that fact.  It was brought up to the NFATCA and other organizations over 20 years ago and they showed zero interest.  

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.

Register sears,  MG's, etc.  since the 90's all derive high values due the historical fake voice vote of May 86' that made them rare/novel compared with their post 86' counterparts..  What's bizzare is so far, aft has not recognized rule #3 for 30+ years, making this period also somewhat historical?   At times even NFA branch, due to ignorance will disapprove a transfer of a 50 YO gun to a C+R holder, forcing a re-submittal and eventual approval.  

[Uncle Zeek]

Short answer - yes, on 5/19/2036 all registered transferable MG's will be at least 50+ years old and eligible for C&R transfers.  Main drawback of C&R is that it must be held as an individual as opposed to a trust, LLC, or other entity.

I plan on getting my daughter her C&R as soon as she's old enough.

Edited January 9 by Uncle Zeek

[Frank I]

I often wondered how "tube" guns would be affected by the 50 year C&R rule. One of the criteria for C&R is the firearm be in its "original configuration."

Example: Sten tube guns, since considered "new manufacture" would be?

OR not because they are not original WWII mfg?

  What about converted semi-auto to select-fire UZIs, MP5s, AR-15s?  

 

Edited January 11 by Frank I

[Uncle Zeek]

Frank, if the issue arose re semi-auto conversions, I would argue that "original configuration" refers to the configuration as of the date of the making or manufacturing.   So if someone converted a semi-auto Uzi on a Form 1 on Jan 31, 1986, then the machinegun was manufactured on that date, and it's configuration as of that date should be dispositive.

[johnsonlmg41]

Anything over 50 will be C+R, even if it's a bare tube or sear.   There is no "original configuration"  in the actual rule in the CFR, which is why anything considered a "firearm" including suppressors sears, frames, and receivers meets the definition of C+R firearm.   The note in the paragraph below the rules is not an actual rule outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations.    

For the record a C+R license like any other FFL can be held by an entity, but no FFL can be held by a trust....because they are not real/ titled  legal entities that have legal standing. HTH

[Austringer]

On 1/11/2026 at 9:46 AM, Frank I said:

I often wondered how "tube" guns would be affected by the 50 year C&R rule. One of the criteria for C&R is the firearm be in its "original configuration."

Example: Sten tube guns, since considered "new manufacture" would be?

OR not because they are not original WWII mfg?

  What about converted semi-auto to select-fire UZIs, MP5s, AR-15s?  

 

It would be in the original configuration as it was manufactured 50 plus years ago, so therefore C&R by the legal definition.