Anyone have experience buying from a seller listing on backpage? How do you prevent getting ripped

I saw a listing for a hard to find rifle (.308) by a private seller. It is well below the price I'm finding from dealers. I've traded emails with the seller and he asked that I send payment via USPS money order and that he'll ship to the FFL Dealer of my choice with a copy of his driver's license. I didn't know it when I reviewed the listing, but he is out of state so we can't do a face to face closing. Has anyone used backpage or similar online classified adds and what's been your experience. Are there any ways to prevent getting ripped off. I suppose I can ask if the guy will accept credit card but I'm assuming that since he's a private seller, he does not.

Thanks.

I only buy local. If it was $20 item I wouldn't worry too much. How much can you afford to lose?

50% down. balance upon arrival & inspection at your FFL. Does the seller have verifiable feedbac,k on any gun forums, ebay etc

if you use USPS money order if he doesnt send it its mail fraud

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Originally Posted by jim

50% down. balance upon arrival & inspection at your FFL. Does the seller have verifiable feedbac,k on any gun forums, ebay etc

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I'll ask about the 50% down and see if he's a verified seller on any website. I'm thinking of asking him if he would ship it through his local FFL dealer who can confirm shipment and then I could send my money order by FEDEX. Not sure I want to deal with the brain damage since I told myself I wasn't going to get another rifle but this was the rifle I wanted from the start and its a .308.

where is the rifle located?

Escrow.com - check them out.

I am currently going after someone that screwed me on ArmsList. Be Careful.

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Originally Posted by davsel

Escrow.com - check them out.

I am currently going after someone that screwed me on ArmsList. Be Careful.

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Thanks for the escrow.com suggestion...I've asked the seller to use this. Guess I'll know how legit the seller is.

It is a great idea you had for him to give it to his local FFL to ship to yours. It will cost more, but the peace of mind on that is worth it.

maybe send the money strait to his ffl as well