Romanian Tokarev Question ?

[Old Smoker]

These pistols were used and manufactured wll into the sixties. Can someone explain how these and the Polish P64 are classified as C&R? Was the classification applied for by importers or by the atf without a request?

[Hardcase]

The date of manufacture makes it a "relic". Its uniqueness or some other feature makes it a "curio".

The "relic" thing happens automatically when a firearm hits 50 years. The "curio" thing happens if a request is made of the ATF to make that determination. The request doesn't have to come from the importer - anybody can make it. If you happen to see the list of C&R firearms, there are a lot of individual guns on it, identified by serial number. A lot of them are short-barreled Winchester rifles. Individuals have requested them to be declared curios based upon their historical importance.

[Cheapshooter]

Possibly "historical significance" due to the fall of the Iron Curtain.
What ever the reason, don't question, just enjoy!!! Great guns, and a lot of fun at the range.

[gyvel]

In the case of some former East Bloc countries, their weapons were all but impossible to obtain in the U.S. by collectors. It was for this reason that BATF was solicted to make them C&Rs.

[tobnpr]

Same with my CZ-82. Made in '86, hardly qualifies for the minimum 50 year age requirement.

[jsmaye]

If the country of origin or manufacture has fallen, that's often enough to qualify a firearm as a C&R. Not automatically, of course - someone still has to petition the BATFE for it.