Do you ever worry about buying used online?

Purchased and sold MANY items on line

Have purchased many items on line (gunbroker feedback 13) and ebay feedback is well over 2000. Purchased $10K cars and $600 guns to name a few. Just like anything else purchased and especially used you need to check feedbacks where possible, number of posts on fourms (no newby purchases from the guy who just came to the forum to sell something). Pictures and viewable pictures - if they are fuzzy ask for better ones. Email and or call the seller with questions even if you really don't have a question make one up just for a better feel for the deal.

Do your homework and buy from reputable sellers. Can truthfully say that I have done well over 3000 on line sales and purchases with no more than 10 bad experiences and most of those where correctable by dealing with decent buyers and sellers.

Yes you have to be careful, no you don't have to be paranoid.

;)But, just because you are paranoid doesn't mean everyone isn't out to get you;)
 
You take a risk when you buy a used gun online. I bought a used high end air rifle that had problems, by the time I figured it out it was too late. I bought a S&W model 52 that was evidently unfired. I got it transferred, took it to the range and to my shock it shot two foot groups at 15 yards including keyholes. The previous owner evidently cleaned the barrel to death. There was almost no rifling left. Very strange. I returned it for a refund, cost me shipping both ways and a transfer fee to the local dealer, more than $100. I bought a Ruger Redhawk that would only go "bang" every other time you pulled the trigger, the fix was easy enough, a new spring. I bought a strange straight pull Mauser new, when it arrived I decided I didn't like it and returned it, the seller was unhappy but I had that right under the terms of service. I have bought several High Standard Derringers, all have met my expectation. So, yes, you run a risk when you buy a used gun online, but the fact is I have bought lemons off the rack locally too. I discount what I'm willing to pay due to the risk. Some guns you just can't get new like the HS Derringers and the 52. If you can pay with a credit card it is good, you have some protection against fraud. I have bought several new guns from auction sites and even off auction and so far have been happy with all of them but if I have a problem I have very little recourse against the seller. I have bought new guns locally and had a problem and been unhappy with the way the seller handled the problem. Sorry, I guess this answer is a bit of "yes and no", I concur with LarryFlew's advice.
 
I've purchased about 10 guns, maybe more, online. About 1/3 of them new, and 2/3rds of them used.

I've never been dissapointed with any of my purchases. They all have been exactly as represented. But, in the back of my mind, I do worry a little each time as to wheter I'm going to get what I bargained for. I guess I've been very lucky....or, I've done my homework, or a little of both.
 
I've purchased 11 guns online from either forums, or GB. Every one was at least as described, with many being even better. Check feedback, know the gun, ask questions. You need to do your due diligence when considering a purchase.
Caveat Emptor.
 
I personally don't favor the idea of buying anything online let alone a weapon. Call it old school, call it what you will. But if I can't put my mits on it. Generally I won't buy it. Most of the guns I'm interested in my FFL can get them for me.

Also, the big dog online guys prices are so ignorantly high its really not worth it to me. And my FFL will stomp those any given day. It really makes no sense to me why these guys price these things so high anyway. Priced "not to sell"
 
I always check feedback first.

But it doesn't really bother me. As every experiance we've had has been positive. And in fact usually the sellers do better than advertised. Gun case, better shape,etc.

I guess the thing is some stuff just ISN'T around.

Of the last couple years, I have only seen a single Sig 225, and a Sig 226 around. Not a single other one in any pawn shop or gun shops.

P.S. Most come from auctionarms.com A fair number are from gunbroker.com as well.
 
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I tend to be very specific in what I'm looking for when buying guns. For example, if I want to buy an AK47, I want it built on a certain receiver using a specific parts set in a very specific configuration. Or, I want a SA/DA 10mm large capacity pistol.... Much of the time, that means I need to look online for what I want.
 
On line is especially good if you are looking for something that is hard to find or that the prices have gone nuts on. IE looked for a CZ PCR compact for a while and found none. Finally found one at a dealer for $640. Bought one new in the box on gunbroker for $535 with shipping plus $20 to my FFL.

Same going the other way if you are selling something that needs more lookers. IE going to be selling my like new S&W model 41 soon. Never get more than $600 on a trade but the ones selling on line in the condition of mine are pushing the $1000 mark.

Same suggestions as with anyone selling anything - do your homework, check out the dealer, check the item, ask questions etc etc.

Glass half full or glass half empty. Generally trusting of people or generally distrusting people.
 
I have picked up a bunch of guns (pistols, rifles and shotguns)on line. I have had two instances, one the gun was sold locally before auction end and the other was described with wrong caliber. The one sold locally turned out in my favor as the seller made me an offer on another one in better shape for a better price. The wrong caliber I did not take possession of from the FFL and had them send it back for which I had my funds fully refunded.
In most cases if the seller has good feedback and will respond to your questions in a timely manner all will go well. You do need to know the firearm you are buying so you can ask the right questions. I always take a used firearm apart, inspect and thoroughly clean it before shooting. Some of them have required new springs to work properly but that is why they were so cheap in the first place, original owner did not know how to fix them.

What I don't understand about the online sells is sometimes you will see a well used firearm sell for more than it is worth new and you still have shipping and transfer fees.
 
Love the tag line 6x6. Aren't all plastic guns supposed to have that red plastic front showing they are toys:cool:
 
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Not really. I purchased most of my firearms online, either through an auction site or a classified section from a forum.

Like others have said, you have to do your research and know what it is you are looking for beforehand. Find out about as much as you can on both the seller (for forum classified purchases) and the item.

If you don't purchase online, you are limiting yourself to what is available out there. Especially for me, since I am a military firearms fan, many items are simply not going to be at your standard gun shop that stocks only "newer", most popular firearms.
 
I bought a pistol online on GB that was totally misdescribed. I tried to get a refund and the seller blocked my e-mails
I filed a fraud claim with GB after a 30 day waiting period and they could not do anything and then the postal inspector who said they could do nothing. I then filed with the FTC and have got no help from them. I have decided it is a lost cause and there is no help with either claim I filed. More than likely if you get a bad seller you cannot get help no matter how many fraud claims you file. BTW the seller had good feedback. That is the only one out of many transactions though. Nothing like picking it up and looking at it before you buy. The pistol was described as factory new in box and perfect. It was damaged finish, wrong sights, wrong magazines and the "mint" factory box was chipped and cracked and discolored.
 
Online Buying Experience:

:) Well, so far, so good. I have purchased over (35) items on Gunbroker.com in the last three years and have experienced ZERO problems.

I was a little hesitant at first about sending $$ or guns to a seller before getting my online purchase sent to me. However, thats the way it has to work I guess and I have been more than satisfied with all the items I have purchased online. Actually the same for Ebay too (except for one Swarovski scope that was scratched more than the pics showed). Other than that, no problems whatsoever, (so far)..........

I have not bought anything from GunsAmerica.com as yet. But there is a Blaser K95 rifle on there I really would like to buy (but its a lot of $) and seller has no feedback for me to check out.... Think I will stay with GB.com
 
To be honest, in the last seven years or so, I've probably bought twenty five or so handguns (and sold nearly that many) All but about six were bought on-line; most of those sold were FTF to local CHL holders.

I'd rather buy face-to-face, but if I see something I want on-line (especially here or THR) I will buy. I have never been disappointed (knock on wood).
 
I would buy FTF based on reply to an online ad. If it's not what I thought after holding it, I can take a pass. What is the difference between internet and a newspaper classified ad?
 
I've got 5 guns, one was bought online, another was a semi-online purchase, that is, I found it and paid for it on the website, but because it's locally based, I got to go down to the shop, the guy had several specimens of the same gun and I got to pick my favorite of the bunch.

In any case, the only time I ever got a lemon was with a gun purchased in-person that I did get to look at and hold prior to buying, it was an IJ TP22.
 
Ive ordered about 12 guns so far. I use CFS, Buds and Simpsons on the majority but have got some from GB off the shop dealers. Never had a problem. I would buy more but no money.
 
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