There is a lot of up sides I see to a Type 3 C&R , especially if one only wishes to collect items 50 years (1973 this year, next year 1974) or older. As Dogtown Tom pointed out the rules are different BECAUSE a Type 3 is "Not engaged in the business", the purpose was for private collections only.
As such they can't lawfully come to your home without a warrant period, yes they could ask but you have the right to force them to a present warrant. There are some requirement the same, such as the A&D "bound book" requirement, but it should only contained those Items you obtained (using your Type 3 FFL) after your license date. Anything you had prior is excluded from record keeping (type 3 C&R A&D book) and anything you buy newer than 50 years old from a FFL that is done with a NICS check and not presenting a copy of your C&R.
Honestly most Type 3's (C&R) will not have a lot of dispositions except for maybe horse trading of curio's between C&R's and some private individuals, but not to the public at large. Which is really nothing more than a log entry. No filling out of 4473's, no NICS checks requirement.
Another aspect is say I have and go to the Tulsa Gun show and locate a S&W model 13 no dash (manufacturer date is prior to 1962 so qualifies as C&R). I would surrender a signed copy of my Type 3 License and go with it. Verses being a non licensee which means I have to have it shipped to a local (within the state I reside) FFL and then transferred which are here is at least $25.00 fee not counting the postage. What is the cost of a FFL Type 3 C&R $30.00 for three years.
Unfortunately the USPS only allows shipping handguns from and to licensed dealers or manufacturers and an FFL03 is excluded, PS Form 1508 which has to be filed with every handgun shipment states that clearly.
Not too sure that is a true statement
https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/may-licensee-mail-handguns-through-us-postal-service
While a Type 3 can't conduct /engage in the business, they are still a Licensee under the provisions of the GCA. Words have meaning and meanings have words. FFL regardless of type is Federal Firearms Licensee, It is ONLY termed "dealer" (type1), Manufacturer (type 7) by the type of application and fees. So observe the Verbiage used in the FAQ "Licensee" not the words dealer, manufacturer, ammunition, or destructive device.
But the truth is not very many dealers / others engaged in the business want to ship handguns Via USPS. They have a terrible record on multiple accounts of delivery losses, dropping at other locations, and damage. Now could the Postmaster make a differing more restrictive on what they will deliver. yes. Could the Postmaster determine that since a Type 3 is a licensee as provided within the CGA. Yes.
I have looked at the form you mentioned nowhere did exclude a type 3 on it's face. SO Let's PLEASE review the ACTUAL USPS regulations Publications 52 Page 99 (
https://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/pubs/pub52/pub52.pdf )
" 432.2 Handguns
Handguns and other firearms capable of being concealed on the person are nonmailable unless mailed between the parties listed in this section, after the filing of an affidavit or statement described in 432.22 or 432.24, and are subject to the following:
a. Firearms meeting the definition of a handgun under 431.2 and the definition of curios or relics under 27 CFR 478.11 may be mailed between curio and relic collectors only when those firearms also meet the definition of an antique firearm under 431.3.
b. Firearms meeting the definition of a handgun under 431.2, which are certified by the curator of a municipal, state, or federal museum that exhibits firearms to be curios or relics of museum interest, may be accepted for mailing between governmental museums without regard to the restrictions provided for handguns in 432.21 through 432.24 and Exhibit 432.25.
c. Air guns (see 431.6) that do not fall within the definition of firearms under 431.1 and are capable of being concealed on a person are mailable, but must include Adult Signature service under DMM 503.8. Mailers must comply with all applicable state and local regulations.
d. Parts of handguns are mailable, except for handgun frames, receivers or other parts or components regulated under Chapter 44, Title 18, U.S.C.
e. Mailers are also subject to applicable restrictions by governments of a state, territory, or district "
Now could I have a Type 3 C&R and have a S&W model 1905 mailed to me via the USPS as by the date of Manufacture is a C&R. NO UNLESS 431.3 section b ( page 98) is met.
"Uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition that is no longer manufactured in the United States and is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade. " Thus will met the requirement 432.2 subsection a. and is mailable to a Type 3 via USPS.
Which is moot point in my opinion, as I would not want anything mailed Via USPS. Unless of course that FedEx or UPS was out of business.
