Surplus Firearms are Dead. No More C&R

Published on January 31, 2026
Duration: 10:30

This guide details how to clean surplus firearms heavily coated in cosmoline, a common preservative. It covers methods using heat (oven or boiling) and subsequent degreasing, drawing on the speaker's experience with historical surplus firearms. The information is presented with the authority of someone deeply familiar with the C&R market and firearm maintenance.

Quick Summary

The era of abundant and inexpensive Curio & Relic (C&R) surplus firearms is concluding due to depleted inventory and shifting market dynamics. Expert analysis covers the FFL 03 license, historical import trends from companies like Century Arms, and practical advice on cleaning cosmoline-encased firearms.

Chapters

  1. 00:00The Decline of C&R Firearms
  2. 00:54What is a C&R License?
  3. 01:26Century International Arms & Ammo Crates
  4. 02:34The $90 SKS and Cosmoline
  5. 03:12Allen's Armory & Walther P38
  6. 04:41Samco Global & Yugoslavian Surplus
  7. 05:21Southern Ohio Gun (SOG) & Tokarevs
  8. 05:42Swiss K31 Rifles & Wideners
  9. 06:27Aim Surplus & Modern Market Shift
  10. 07:47Caliber Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Curio & Relic (C&R) license?

A C&R license, officially known as an FFL 03, allows licensed collectors to acquire specific historical firearms (defined by the ATF) and have them shipped directly to their homes, bypassing standard dealer transfers and background checks.

Why is the era of cheap surplus firearms ending?

The primary reasons cited are dwindling inventory from original sources, increased demand from collectors, and the shift in market focus by major importers towards modern firearms and accessories rather than historical surplus.

How do you clean cosmoline off a surplus firearm?

Cosmoline can be removed using heat (like an oven at low temperature or boiling the parts) to melt the substance, followed by thorough cleaning with degreasers or solvents and then re-lubrication.

What were some major historical surplus firearm importers?

Key importers mentioned include Century International Arms, Samco Global Arms, Southern Ohio Gun (SOG), Wideners, and Classic Firearms, each specializing in different types of surplus firearms and ammunition.

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