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C&R ELEGIBILITY OF |
Many "mouseguns" are eligible for transfer to a Curio and Relic FFL holder, provided they are fifty (50) years old or older. Most collectible .25 caliber pistols are vintage firearms and usually qualify. These comments apply to my definition of a mousegun (which may differ from your own). I collect .25 cal. (6.35mm) pistols that are 1) less than 6 inches long; 2) weigh less than 15 ounces; and are chambered for the .25 ACP cartridges (anything less is a "plinker" and anything more is a "real" gun!). The dates listed below indicate the range of years of production and if produced after 1960 they are stopped at that date after which they are not C&R eligible.
The popularity of these diminutive pistols began at the beginning of the last century with the introduction of the .25 ACP cartridge, developed by John M. Browning in 1905. The most popular pistol to fire this cartridge was the Fabrique Nationale Model 1905 Vest Pocket Pistol manufactured in Belgium and distributed from 1906 to 1959. Two years later Browning licensed Colt to manufacture and distribute their U.S. version of the same gun, the Colt 1908 Hammerless Pocket Pistol (1908 to 1948). These two guns are the most widely collected and they have been the most copied of all the vest pocket pistols produced by numerous manufacturers.
Subsequently, Fabrique Nationale produced a smaller "Baby" version (1931 to 1960 and a Baby Browning from 1954 to 1960 (No Browning .25 made in the U.S. are C&R eligible). Colt followed suit and produced a smaller version of their Vest Pocket called the Colt Junior, which was made for them by Astra from 1958 to 1960. These two smaller pistols are equally popular for collectors, as they are more abundantly available in pristine condition. Similar sized handguns were also produced by Bernardelli including the Baby Vest Pocket (1945 to 1960) and the Model 68 (1945 to 1960). Beretta introduced the Model 418 (1947 to 1960); the Model 1919 (1919 to 1949); and the most popular, the Model 950 Jetfire (1955 to 1960).
Other "vintage" .25 caliber pistols that are not as often encountered or not normally in excellent condition include: MAB model A & B; Astra 200 & 2000; CZ 36 & 45; Dusek Peria & Duo; Bronco 1913, 1915, & 1918; Dryse 1907; Frommer Lilliput, Galesi 1923; Haenel model 1 & 2; J.P. Sauer & Son 1913 & 1918; Pieper 1909; and Walther model 9. While these pistols are usually C&R eligible, they are encountered much less frequently and when found they are often War Relics in poor condition or otherwise neglected and not desirable quality for many collectors. The Gun Control Act of 1968 effectively stopped the import of these handguns and made pristine vintage European firearms in .25 ACP less accessible.
The aforementioned pistols represent perhaps the most commonly collected .25 caliber pistols and the dates provide an indication of the dates of manufacture that makes them C&R eligible. These firearms are no longer self-defense guns (as they were when first introduced) and, although lethal, they have essentially been replaced by the .380 ACP handguns for personal defense use, many of which are similar in size. In spite of the weak powered load, many of these guns that are not in collectable condition are still carried in the pockets or purses of those who feel they are a lethal deterrent that is better than not carrying a firearm at all. I prefer mine in a gun safe.