What C&R Licenses Allow and Classic SKS, VZ 52, MAS 49/56 Intros
The video opens by explaining Curio and Relic (C&R) Federal Firearms Licenses and how they benefit collectors. A C&R license allows eligible firearms that are at least fifty years old, or otherwise classified as curios or relics, to be shipped directly to the license holder’s home instead of going through a third-party dealer, simplifying acquisition of historic guns. The first featured rifle is a Chinese SKS chambered in 7.62x39, highlighted for its fixed magazine, ability to be loaded quickly with stripper clips, and its distinctive spike bayonet. The stock shows trench art, adding historical character and collector interest. Next, the VZ 52 rifle is introduced, notable for its side-folding bayonet and detachable 10-round box magazine. It is chambered in the uncommon 7.62x45 cartridge, which sits between 7.62x39 and 7.62x51 in size. The segment closes by introducing the MAS 49/56, a semi-automatic rifle chambered in 7.5 French, with a note that the caliber is uncommon but still obtainable and covered in a separate detailed video.
MAS 49/56 Clipazine, Recoil Impressions, and Refurbished Rifles
Focus shifts to the MAS 49/56 rifle and its unique magazine system. Chambered in 7.5 French, the rifle uses a detachable magazine that incorporates an attached clip, locking into an indentation on the receiver. This “clipazine” holds 10 rounds and allows the shooter to top-load efficiently while retaining the convenience of a removable magazine. The host demonstrates the last-round bolt hold-open, showing how the action stays open for faster reloads. Recoil is described as comparable to 7.62 NATO fired from an M14, yet lighter than an M1 Garand in .30-06, making the MAS 49/56 surprisingly pleasant to shoot for a full-power service rifle. The video also highlights refurbished MAS 49/56 rifles from James River Armory, which feature reblued metal and refinished wood furniture. These refinished examples are presented as attractive options for collectors who want rifles that closely approximate original factory appearance while still being practical shooters in an uncommon but serviceable caliber.
Yugo M48 Mauser: Classic 8mm Bolt-Action C&R Rifle
The next featured firearm is the Yugo M48 Mauser, a classic bolt-action rifle chambered in 8mm. Built on a Mauser action, the M48 carries the recognizable Yugoslav crest on the receiver, giving it strong visual appeal for collectors of postwar military rifles. The video demonstrates loading the internal magazine using stripper clips, emphasizing how quickly and efficiently the rifle can be charged with five rounds at a time. The host notes the convenience of clips for keeping ammunition organized and ready for rapid loading. Once loaded, the M48 is shown in action on the range, with the shooter cycling the bolt and firing, underscoring the rifle’s reliability and the satisfying feel of a traditional Mauser system. The combination of robust construction, classic lines, and historical markings makes the Yugo M48 a desirable C&R piece for enthusiasts who appreciate both shooting performance and collectible value in an affordable surplus rifle.
Tokarev-Pattern C&R Pistols: M57 vs TTC in 7.62x25
Attention turns to two C&R-eligible Tokarev-pattern pistols: the M57 and the TTC, both chambered in 7.62x25. The M57 is highlighted first, featuring a full-size grip that offers more real estate for the hand and typically one extra round of magazine capacity compared to shorter-gripped variants. Both pistols wear star grips, reinforcing their Tokarev lineage. On the range, the M57’s recoil is described as comfortable and very manageable for the high-velocity 7.62x25 cartridge. Its added frame safety, though not original to the design, is praised for providing a natural thumb rest and being easy to actuate. The TTC is then compared, with recoil impressions noted as very similar to the M57. Its shorter grip sacrifices roughly one round of capacity but still allows a full grip for medium-sized hands. However, the TTC’s frame safety sits farther forward, requiring a slight grip shift to engage or disengage, making it a bit less ergonomic despite maintaining the same basic Tokarev shooting characteristics.
Wrapping Up the Top 6 C&R Guns and Honey Badger Giveaway
The video wraps up by recapping the six highlighted C&R firearms of 2020 so far: the Chinese SKS, VZ 52, MAS 49/56, Yugo M48 Mauser, and the two Tokarev-pattern pistols, M57 and TTC. After summarizing their appeal for collectors and shooters, the host introduces a non-C&R giveaway: the Honey Badger by Q, a compact pistol chambered in 300 Blackout. The giveaway gun features a binary trigger for rapid follow-up shots, a Vortex red dot optic, and a Cherry Bomb muzzle device. Its construction includes a 7075 aluminum upper and lower receiver set and a 6061 aluminum handguard. The package comes with a 20-round steel or aluminum magazine plus an additional Classic Firearms-branded 30-round magazine. A brief aside mentions others at the range shooting a short-barreled AK. Viewers are instructed to visit ClassicFirearms.com, click the banner link to enter for a chance to win the Honey Badger, and are reminded not to miss the giveaway before the video signs off.
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