You know you bought it off a gun forum if...

Box comes labeled with ORM-D stickers, but you didn't buy ammo.

The box has labels(s) from the LAST three guys who got a gun in that very box

it comes with granpa's social security number etched in the grip.

Three other guys chime in on how that particular gun shoots.

Was advertised with the lines

"Less than 100 rounds fired..."

or

"Like new in box..."

Remo223 said:

it comes with granpa's social security number etched in the grip.

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So my grandfather wasn't the only one to do that? He did it right across the blade of a really nice knife too. RIP grandad.

Lots of people used to do that. I've got tools with someone's dead relative's SS number engraved on them. I've got books with my dad's SS number written inside it. The ID tags on luggage used to have a line for your SS number along with your name, address, and date of birth.

Times change.

HOOfan_1 said:

So my grandfather wasn't the only one to do that? He did it right across the blade of a really nice knife too. RIP grandad.

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I've got tools in my toolbox that I use regularly and have my g-pa's SSN on them. For some reason, I tend to take extra care of them...

....if you bought it face-to-face, paid a fair price, and then spent an hour chatting about mutually interesting topics with someone of a similar mind set.

If you buy the gun, and then go back on the forum and PM the seller about how good the gun is and how much you like it. You then procede to write a long, detailed, paragraph in the feedback section about how cool the seller is.

Guy drives an hour out of his way to meet you at a gas station while you're on a cross-state trip, sells you an as-new gun at $100 less than market, and everyone leaves happy.

He drives an hour from Nashville in '08 and sells you a mint SKS (your first), behind a burger joint in a small town near I-40.

We drive from San Antonio on I-35 through Austin and the trader happens to still be in town!
He gives us simple directions, then exchanges 2,000 rds. of Russian (what else?) 7.62x39 ammo for
1,900 Silver Bear/Wolf .223 plus $20, in late '09.

This happened in his driveway. Slick, simple with very fortunate timing.
Both sellers were polite and superb. Thanks very much to "THR" WTS/WTT bulletin boards.

You recieve your package and instead of bubble wrap your items are packed in pages from gun magazines and vendors sale adds.

You recieve your package and instead of bubble wrap your items are packed in pages from gun magazines and vendors sale adds.

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2 years worth, and an extra 15 pounds of Shotgun News is crumpled up in the box to cushion an old beater rifle you just had to have, and came darn cheap.

You recieve your package and instead of bubble wrap your items are packed in pages from gun magazines and vendors sale adds.

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I recently moved and that's what I used for packing fragile materials

JoeMal said:

Was advertised with the lines

"Less than 100 rounds fired..."

or

"Like new in box..."

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... and they started out asking 10-15% more than what you can buy a new one for online or at your local single-shingle FFL.

Also ...

You worked out a trade for guns, of differing calibers, and also traded more than 1000 rounds of ammo.

They want 100% new out the door price from a used gun made in 1994.

When you and the other party talk on the phone, you both refer to each other by your forum names.

When he drops by, you introduce him to your wife by his screen name.

I've had nothing but stellar transactions here and at the M14 forums. I'd much rather buy from a known, well-reputed forum member than a stranger locally, or on gunbroker.

NMGonzo said:

They want 100% new out the door price from a used gun made in 1994.

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Hahaha that is ever so true.

As you are looking at the firearm, The guy you are buying it from asks you if you want a coffee or a can of soda. Then goes in the quickie mart you are meeting at to buy you one.
Only in America. Is this a great country or what.

...if you open a box and it contains your item, and a half dozen extra trinkets, accessories, and freebies! (only on THR)

You know you bought it off a gun forum if:

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Your stuff arrives in an old AC Delco auto parts box with some brake dust still on it.
The seller's name is Darryl and he included a picture of his "huntin dawg" with it's new litter of puppies.

The deal on I sold to someone by telling him I'd throw in "a big box full of extra stuff lying around my room" no extra description given. He will be receiving a soft shotgun case, a bunch of molle pouches, holsters, some baseball cards, Goosebumps books, chewing gum, a $2 bill, a whole bunch of bottle caps, a pocket knife, and a dog toy.

Also it was packed with...you guessed it....in an auto parts box with crumpled up Midway and CTD catalogs.