buying firearms from members, some questions

K

Kimio

New member
I was wondering, how far do some of ya'll go in regards to ensuring a solid firearms. Is be sold among members, or heck, just purchasing a gun from an auction. Site such as gunbroker.

Would requesting a video of the firearm in question being operated and/or fired (when applicable) be too much to ask or too unreasonable?

I've read several horror stories of folks getting into some hot water when dealing with online purchases and what have yoy
 
Would requesting a video of the firearm in question being operated and/or fired (when applicable) be too much to ask or too unreasonable?
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If someone is going to cheat you, they can fake a video also
 
I've sold a few guns to TFL members... some were local and went perfectly fine, the other went thru a distant FFL and I think he was pleased.
No complaints here either.

In fact, I'd like to see the F/S section expand in a way...
Narrow search by zip code distance, or only within your state, or anywhere and us a FFL.
 
Having sold a gun through a board's classifieds (don't remember if it was this board or a different one), if a buyer would say "Hey, I want a video of it working" I'd probably end up telling the buyer "Sorry, but I've no idea when I'll get one for you" and anybody else who shows interest will get to butt in line in front of Mr. Suspicious.

Most of us don't shoot in the backyard or have a range next door with people available to take video because some dude on the internet thinks I'm trying to sell a lemon.

If you don't trust a seller enough to buy without a video, it would probably be best for you to not purchase from that seller. There is always risk inherent in any internet based transaction. Find somebody local and offer to meet them at the range if you want to be certain it functions properly before purchase... there's no other way to be sure the gun works. Videos can be fakes, photos can be faked, in person is the only way to be sure. One either needs to be willing to accept the risk or just avoid the risk entirely.
 
I think the best way to avoid a mess is to buy from members who have been around a good long while... those who wouldnt care to soil their name in that way.
Or at least from folks who can show a good trader rating in another forum.

Paying attention to the details before buying.
Figure out who/what your dealing with, read some of their old posts, etc...
 
No such thing as too many questions or requests.

Initially you have the advantage, as the buyer, you can request just about anything reasonable, from the seller. He then will set a limit and then it's up to you. This is all part of negotiating. Then once Y'all have settled on a price and "conditions" the advantage goes to him. ..... ;)

I deal on many muzzleloaders and the heart of an M/L, is the condition of the bore. This can really be a crap shoot. I have bought M/L's from members, in this forum and have never been bit. Can't be any happier than dealing with folks, in this forum .... ;)
On EBay, I have come real close but so far, so good. The same holds true for GunBroker. .... :)

Again, don't be shy about asking too many questions. After all, it's your money. .. ;)



Be Safe !!!
 
Basically, what killimanjaro said. I also want to see well lit, in focus photos, the more, the better. I have bought from boards, and bought and sold on auction sites without any issues. If I sell an occasional firearm, or anything else, I post lots of quality, detailed photos, with a precise description of the item and terms. No offense, but if someone demanded video of the gun being fired, I'd respectfully decline.......ymmv
 
What is the process to sell, I've haven't sold a firearm since I was young... I'm thinking of selling a rifle online to get the most fair price for both parties.

I'm guessing the buyer pays in some way, such as PayPal or something then you ship to ffl of the buyers choice I'm guessing.
 
I've purchased several firearms from members of this forum and I've sold a few firearms to members of this forum.

All were represented honestly.

I've also purchased from auction sites, again all were represented honestly.

If you have doubts ask a lot of questions, ask for a lot of pictures, if it still does not feel right then pass on the purchase.
 
I look for two things when buying guns or firearm accessories online:

1. Seller's Reputation - If an auction site, this would be their feedback score, most sellers dont have 100 successful transactions for no reason. Even if they sell you a lemon, chances are they will stand by it as to not soil their name. On forums, I look for longevity and activity. If you have been a member for a couple years and have a decent number of posts, I will assume you are an honest guy. Now if you just joined last week and have 26 posts (TFL requires 25 or more to offer anything for sale in the classifieds), I will pass regardless of how great the deal is.

* FYI, I have conducted 4 transactions with people from TFL, every single one went off perfectly regardless which side I was on. Items were always as described, payment was sent promptly, items were shipped the day after checks cleared, tracking numbers were provided, etc. As long as they check out by my comments above, I have full faith in the "regulars" around here.

2. Your gut feeling - If something feels off, just walk away, it's that easy. If they take forever getting back to you numerous times (things come up in life, I get it, but if it happens multiple times it is a no go for me), or are fuzzy on details, etc., I just do not pursue it any further. If the sale will be FTF, this is a lot easier to distinguish when you actually meet the person.
 
Check the users other posts, they can be very revealing.
If the user is consistently unreasonable and stubborn, you may not want to do business with them. They may also give you an idea of round count/usage environment/user experience level/level of maintenance.

Ask for a phone number. A verbal conversation may set your BS meter off where emails and messages here might not have.
 
I've never been burned. I typically buy higher quality guns in almost new condition. I could lie and say I investigate every seller, every auction, and bombard the seller with communication about the gun. But I don't. I've been lucky. So far....
 
As a buyer: If for any reason I feel something is not right, I skip the transaction. I know I have probably missed out on some great buys, but I did not get burnt. I do keep records on when and from whom the gun was purchased. I do not want to buy a gun that has been stolen or used in a crime.

As a seller: I am not going to jump through hoops to sell a gun. A video, probably is not going to happen. Meeting in some dark parking lot to do the transaction, again, not going to happen. (Living so close to the Kansas border, I have to make sure they are from Missouri.)

If the prospective buyer does not want to provide me with the info I need/request, the deal is off. For my records I usually want a copy of your drivers license. I understand some people are reluctant to provide that info and I am OK with it. I just will not sell my gun to them.

If the police show up at my door looking for a gun that could be traced back to me, I want the information I have on the gun to help with their investigation. I want to be able to show them when and to whom the gun was sold. Again, I understand some people do not want that info available to anyone and will refuse to do business with me.
 
What is the process to sell, I've haven't sold a firearm since I was young... I'm thinking of selling a rifle online to get the most fair price for both parties.

I'm guessing the buyer pays in some way, such as PayPal or something then you ship to ffl of the buyers choice I'm guessing.
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NO, PayPal is anti-gun. You can sell small parts (like you find on Ebay) without PayPal getting upset but using it to pay for a gun can get your account locked and terminated if they find out.

As to selling online, first try to sell in a face-to-face transaction. I've bought and sold many firearms via the local (state specific) gun forums I'm on. See if there is a Texas forum. When the buyer and seller can get together face-to-face the buyer can thoroughly satisfy himself about the condition. Even better if you can meet up at the range and he can actually fire it.
 
Being private and protective !!!

As a buyer: If for any reason I feel something is not right, I skip the transaction. I know I have probably missed out on some great buys, but I did not get burnt.
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I once started a transaction for an M/L with a TFL member. We agreed on a price and when I asked him where to mail the money order, he started asking what I thought were too many personal questions. When I did not reply to his requests, we both decided it was best not to proceed and yes, I know I missed out on a great deal. .... :rolleyes:

Be Safe !!!
 
You ask me for a video, and I'll tell you to go fly a kite. Politely of course.

If my word isn't good enough, I guess we just can't do business. Which is ok with me. No problem.
 
A couple days ago, I posted, in the revolver for sale/trade section, a notice I want to do an even trade with a S&W 686 in .357 with a 6" barrel for the same gun with a shorter barrel. My condition is, I want it to be someone in the Denver/Colorado Springs area to avoid a scam. I received a note from a blogger in Rhode Island who wants to trade. I know each of us must use an FFL dealer, probably a gun store, but how do each of us ensure we receive guns? I'm sure he is on the up and up but I just don't want to take a chance just as he doesn't want to take a chance. He suggested we go through a gun store then provide tracking numbers. I guess we would not be able to provide a tracking number from a gun store without actually using the gun store.

Any comments?
 
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