On the "Collector Thing." That is what is referred to as a Type 03 (not to be confused with Class III firearms) Collector of Curios and Relics License. This license is $30 for three years. The full definition of "Curios and Relics" can get rather involved, but the broad-brush is generally firearms that are more than 50 years old and/or have a specific collector value as determined by the BATFE. I have used my C&R License to purchase a number of military surplus firearms and the advantage is that you can have them shipped straight from the vendor to your home. Also,
some vendors of supplies (parts, slings, stocks, cleaning equipment) would give a C&R Licensee the Dealer Price. A non-military surplus example of a firearm that can be considered C&R would be a 1950s vintage S&W revolver. Biggest issue I have had with the C&R is not all Type 01 (regular FFL for dealers) will recognize a C&R licensee to ship a firearm that is "on the list" directly to you; they only want to ship to another 01 dealer. There are several fully automatic firearms on the C&R list, but they still fall under the NFA and the ones that are on the list are very pricey.
Record keeping for a C&R is a little easier that for a dealer, but still must be done IAW BATFE regs. Local regulation is not an issue other than having to deliver a copy of your application for issue or renewal to the "Chief law Enforcement Officer" (usually Chief of Police or County Sheriff). A C&R does NOT make you a dealer, but you get a little more latitude in selling parts of your collection--all open to BATFE interpretation.
