Watch yourselves out there!

On the Chicago Craig's list, they talk about FOID items which apparently gets through the "gun" censor software.

I've bought tools off CL, but never guns so far. I also avoid those certain areas likely to have miscreants like those in the news story.
 
Several episodes of First 48 were robery/murder/internet ads. I went to look at a boat from CL. I told the guy I was not bringing cash at the first meet. Turns out he did not actually own the boat. It had no title, tags, TX number. Total scam. Saw the same picture a week later with a different seller. No way I would meet anywhere for a gun purchase or sale.
 
I've sold sporting equipment and a car on Craigslist. I always meet in a well lit public place that I am familiar with. One of my favorites was when I bought a bat on another site and met the guy at the Farm and Fleet in town. I told him I what I'd be driving, he told me he'd be driving a white Crown Vic. Sure enough, he showed up and he was an on duty state trooper, haha. Safest I've felt making a face to face deal.
 
I've done MANY parking lot deals. However, in each case they were with a member of a state shooting or hunting forum. Being able to see a history of posts from a forum member gives you a good idea of who you are dealing with.
 
When I read this story a few days ago, from another source, it was an ArmsList ad. Not a Craigslist ad..........

This source most likely didn't fact check or screwed up.

Imagine that, the MSM not getting the facts correct.........
 
I would assume this was armslist and not craigslist. not saying you can't get away with posting a gun for a short period, but why go through the hassle? Nobody is going to craigslist looking for guns, so you probably wouldn't sell it. Armslist is just as free.

I have bought and sold about a dozen firearms on Armslist, everyone was really nice. I always have them meet at my office on a workday, I can see them pull up through the window, and they don't know which office I work in. So I feel that gives me a little bit of an edge, I tell him to call me when he gets there and I can who pulls up. I know just seeing someone doesn't mean they aren't going to rob me, but it helps. And, I have the advantage of being around my co-workers, close to a door and knowing the area. Plus, theres lots of obvious cameras
 
I have done some parking lot deals, during the day in a well populated area. I also check the serial number of the gun on hotgunz.com before I even really get a good look at the firearm. It is usually a trade deal. Usually it is done through a facebook group so I can check up on the individual. Guns are not even allowed on craigslist although I know they are on there I don't really look for them. With them being posted on a site they can't be on it raises a red flag for me. I know they get them on there with other names like "bang item" etc. Several years ago I did trade a trolling motor for a 20 gauge, I met them at a ffl and got them to pay the transfer fee.
 
It seems that there is a much higher rate of scamming in the NFA world lately. I suspect that this is going to quickly transfer over into buying and selling any guns over the internet.

I've done many transactions where I have simply sent money to seller expecting him to complete his end of the transaction. I've been 100% lucky in that everything went as expected. However, I am going to have to implement some procedures if I intend to buy off of Gunbroker again. I've heard that making the seller send you a picture with his email on a piece of paper on the gun itself tends to work.
 
I have only sold a few guns in private sales; but I always do four things

1) Go armed. Unusually well armed in case things get hairy.

2) Set a neutral, public meeting place that is well lighted. I would never invite a stranger to my home that I meant on the internet. I always let where I am going and when be known by several people I trust.

3) Ask for and give basic details about who will be there (for example if I bring a friend I will disclose this and I will ask and expect it to be disclosed.) If you are bringing a buddy I want to know and I will gladly disclose the same.

4) I'm as alert as a big buck on opening day of rifle season. If anything looks hairy or funny I would back out immediately.

I really do all of these things when doing any internet transaction like this. Craigslist, freecycle or whatever. I am especially conscious though when it's firearms because the value and danger are both higher. Few people would kill for vintage chairs or car parts; there are crazies who would kill to get their hands on a firearm.
 
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