The video focuses on curio and relic, or C&R, eligible firearms and highlights six standouts available in 2020 so far. C&R is a type of Federal Firearms License that allows qualifying firearms, generally at least fifty years old and meeting specific criteria, to be shipped directly to the license holder’s home, bypassing a third-party dealer. The host notes that inventory changes frequently, mentioning a recent shipment of Enfields as an example of how new C&R options appear over time. The goal is to show some of the more interesting rifles and pistols currently offered, both for existing C&R license holders and for viewers who simply appreciate older military-style firearms.
The first featured firearm is the SKS, chambered in 7.62x39, the same cartridge commonly associated with the AK platform. These are Chinese SKS rifles, identifiable by the Chinese markings on the receiver. The host points out one example with extensive trench art carved into the wooden stock, including names and other markings that suggest a personal history. The SKS uses a fixed magazine with a hinged floor, and it can be loaded either with stripper clips through a cutout in the bolt or by inserting individual rounds. A spike bayonet folds out from the underside of the barrel, adding to the rifle’s classic military appearance. These SKS rifles qualify as C&R due to their age and are described as enjoyable, practical shooters.
Next is the VZ 52, described as an unusual and interesting rifle that had been unfamiliar to the host before these shipments arrived. The rifle features a side-folding bayonet that deploys from the right side of the barrel when a button is pressed and then stows flat against the stock. It is chambered in 7.62x45, a relatively uncommon cartridge that sits ballistically between 7.62x39 and 7.62x51. While not widely available, the ammunition can still be found. The VZ 52 uses a detachable box magazine with a ten-round capacity. The host references an earlier video where a colleague discussed more of the rifle’s background and history, positioning this segment as a brief overview of its main mechanical and caliber characteristics.
The MAS 49/56 is presented as a notable French C&R rifle chambered in 7.5 French, a cartridge that is less common but still obtainable. A distinctive feature is the magazine system, jokingly referred to as a “clipazine.” The detachable magazine holds ten rounds and has a clip-like attachment on its side that interfaces with an indentation in the rifle’s receiver, allowing the magazine to lock into place. The host clarifies that it is technically a magazine, with the clip serving as part of the attachment system. The rifle offers last-round bolt hold-open and is described as pleasant to shoot, with recoil comparable to a 7.62 NATO rifle such as an M14 and less than an M1 Garand in .30-06. Some examples have been refurbished by James River Armory, including reblued metal and lightly refinished wood, to approximate their original appearance while remaining C&R-eligible shooters.
The Yugo M48 Mauser is highlighted as a classic bolt-action rifle chambered in 8mm Mauser. It uses the Mauser action that influenced many later designs, including the U.S. M1903. The rifle carries a Yugoslav crest on the receiver, which the host notes as an attractive detail. The internal magazine is loaded from the top using stripper clips, allowing five rounds of 8mm ammunition to be inserted quickly rather than loading each round individually. On the range, the M48 is shown cycling and firing smoothly, with the clip ejected after loading. The host emphasizes the traditional Mauser look and operation, describing the rifle as an appealing piece for collectors who appreciate older military bolt actions and want a functional C&R firearm that still offers a satisfying shooting experience.
The video then moves to C&R-eligible pistols, focusing on the M57 and TTC, both Tokarev-pattern handguns chambered in 7.62x25. The M57 features a full-size grip and uses a longer magazine, while the TTC has a shorter grip and slightly reduced capacity, roughly analogous to a more compact variant. Both pistols shown have star-pattern grip panels. On the range, the M57 is fired first. The added frame safety, installed to meet import requirements, provides a convenient thumb rest and is easy to actuate without interfering with slide operation. The TTC is then fired for comparison. Despite the shorter grip, the host maintains a full firing grip without pinky overhang and notes that recoil feels very similar between the two pistols. The TTC’s safety is also frame-mounted but positioned farther forward, requiring a slight grip adjustment to operate. The choice between them is framed as a matter of personal preference regarding grip length, capacity, and safety placement.
The segment concludes by summarizing the six C&R firearms covered: the Chinese SKS in 7.62x39, the VZ 52 in 7.62x45, the MAS 49/56 in 7.5 French, the Yugo M48 Mauser in 8mm, and the Tokarev-pattern M57 and TTC pistols in 7.62x25. The host notes that future shipments, such as recent Enfields, could change the list and lead to additional videos. Viewers are encouraged to comment on which firearm from the lineup is their favorite. The final firearm mentioned is not C&R-eligible: a Honey Badger by Q pistol chambered in .300 Blackout, equipped with a binary trigger, Cherry Bomb muzzle device, 7075 aluminum upper and lower receivers, a 6061 aluminum handguard, a Vortex red dot, and a 20-round magazine, along with a Classic Firearms-branded 30-round magazine, presented in the context of a current giveaway.
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