advice for buying online

[muddywings]

I'm looking for any advice or "for the love of God man don't do it" horror stories for buying used guns online from gunbroker or armslist.
I bought a gun through a dealer via gunbroker, NIB, and had it shipped to my local FFL but I've never dealt with private party sales.
Any recommendations, things I should do, ask etc?

Thanks

[SideShow Bob]

Individuals must ship to an FFL, some will argue that they must ship from an FFL to an FFL.
I've bought a few from individuals on GB, I checked their feedback before bidding, and made sure that there was lots of feedback on them, and all good other than individual misunderstandings. So clear up all details before bidding/buying.
I've never dealt with an Armslist seller, and by how some of them think their used beaters are worth new retail +, I don't think I will dealing on that site.

[xring]

I'm looking for any advice or "for the love of God man don't do it" horror stories for buying used guns online from gunbroker or armslist.
I bought a gun through a dealer via gunbroker, NIB, and had it shipped to my local FFL but I've never dealt with private party sales.
Any recommendations, things I should do, ask etc?

Thanks
nowadays a drunk prairie dog can take good pictures. If they are fuzzy its probably on purpouse. I have much more trust for the guy that takes ten detailed photos. feedback feedback feedback, 99% or better and longevity 3 4 years on gb. If thats not present i dont go forward. Ive got some great deals off of GB- and had some stuff misrepresented to me. When it goes bad it not worth the savings. Its like a lot of things. Ask a lot of questions. dont get a gleam in your eye that you want it. listen to your gut. And as mentioned make sure your FFL accepts from a individual with a copy of his DL- some dont.

[ChadAmberg]

Wife's bought twice from individuals on gunbroker.
Just remember, these are just normal folks not dealers, so if you expect next day shipping, stuff like that, then it's probably not for you.
I'd ask a couple questions about the item up front to get an idea of how responsive the seller is and such.

[bigun1962]

From many online deals, only a few problems. As many problems in person. You can figure around 5% noshow or outright knotheads. I prefer online bidding. I name my price and figure 10-20% for retartation. It is a beautiful thing. I might add I only buy from a few online sellers.

[hatidua]

I've had nothing but positive dealings on GB after ten years of buying there. YMMV.

[Fentonite]

I've had nothing but positive dealings on GB after ten years of buying there. YMMV.

Same here.

[Chad4000]

had good results here...

havent dealt with GB...

[sneakerd]

5 years and hundreds of transactions on Gunbroker. Next to no issues.

[spyder]

I've been using GB for years now and have had no issues. A good tip is to buy from someone who has no score... I know that goes against a lot of what people say, but everyone starts out at 0 in the beginning. Most people won't buy from someone with a 0 score which only helps you get a good deal. [Beer]

[muddywings]

I've been using GB for years now and have had no issues. A good tip is to buy from someone who has no score... I know that goes against a lot of what people say, but everyone starts out at 0 in the beginning. Most people won't buy from someone with a 0 score which only helps you get a good deal. [Beer]

twisted logic but I like it.

Anybody out there been scammed on the private seller? What do I look for?
I've purchased once through GB but it was a store. Honestly, the prices from these online stores isn't any better than I can get from the local guys (I think) when you factor tax vs FFL/Shipping.
So to me the only shot I'm looking at is used from a private seller that most likely isn't on there for a business startup. I guess I'm just worried about sending a cashier's check off and getting squirt gun in the mail.
(Granted I used the classifieds to buy a $2K mountain bike-then again, I was pretty sure they didn't use it to rob a liquor store).