i'm thinking about buying a rifle off gun broker but don't know how the process works. i've already contacted my ffl dealer and yes they do transfers for a $60 fee... no i have not bid or bought anything yet but thinking about it cause i can't find this gun anywhere.
buying from gun broker....
- Thread starter trigga
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It's like ebay and people get burned sometimes. Check the seller's feedback. Get his number and do a reverse phone lookup as I do. I call them on a hardline, not a cell, and confirm their home or store address. Also google their screen name to see if anything questionable comes up. When I'm sure I've done all I can to stack the odds in my favor, then I bid. It's not foolproof but it's something.
As far as buying, you bid and if you're high, you send him the money order, cashier's check, whatever. You'll also pay shipping. Normally you get a three day inspection period as long as you don't shoot the gun. If you don't like it, you send it back at your expense. Plus you pay your FFL his $60. All in all it can be an expensive proposition.
Good luck.
As far as buying, you bid and if you're high, you send him the money order, cashier's check, whatever. You'll also pay shipping. Normally you get a three day inspection period as long as you don't shoot the gun. If you don't like it, you send it back at your expense. Plus you pay your FFL his $60. All in all it can be an expensive proposition.
Good luck.
lionking
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Done it many times trigga,look at the guys history and if it is good than you should be ok.I personally don't buy from a newbie if it is a higher dollar item.If you are a newbie you might want to send him a message to let him know that you are a serious buyer.
If you win the auction he should send you a emailed instructions with a day or two.Personally when I win I send a email ahead of time to start contact and let them know I'm on top of it.Sometimes I call because some sellers respond better to a phone call.
good luck
If you win the auction he should send you a emailed instructions with a day or two.Personally when I win I send a email ahead of time to start contact and let them know I'm on top of it.Sometimes I call because some sellers respond better to a phone call.
good luck
walker944
Member
Yep, I've done it too. No big deal. $60 for a transfer seems quite steep. My local FFL charges $15, so you may want to shop around. In fact, GunBroker can point you to other FFLs in your local area. It pays to shop around.
Frank4711
Member
Process is Simple....Check seller feedback....Bid...Win...send Payment/FFL....Done
When in doubt about any part of the rifle, especially if it's been described as a damaged spot, ask for more pictures.
Stock dings and scratches are most common, some are honest wear, some are not.
As Lawnman380 described, it's a really simple process.
Stock dings and scratches are most common, some are honest wear, some are not.
As Lawnman380 described, it's a really simple process.
DHJenkins
Member
I've done a few times and never had a problem.
jimmyraythomason
Member
Do not bid on a firearm unless you ALREADY have an FFl to do the transfer! Having to back out on a winning bid because you don't have a FFL for the transfer will get you "non-paying bidder" status.
ezypikns
Member
I've purchased a number of firearms on Gunbroker.
Some from dealers, a few from individuals. I may just be lucky, but I've never been disappointed. Quite the opposite, in fact. I've been very happy with my purchases.
60.00 for an FFL transfer, though? Ouch!
I pay 10.00 to a local pawn shop. Please do some shopping.
Some from dealers, a few from individuals. I may just be lucky, but I've never been disappointed. Quite the opposite, in fact. I've been very happy with my purchases.
60.00 for an FFL transfer, though? Ouch!
I pay 10.00 to a local pawn shop. Please do some shopping.
I always call or e-mail questions to try and get a sense of the seller. If there are any potential issues with the gun, based on the description or photos, and you can't get a response in a reasonable time period, I'd pass on it. Same if you get a lot of attitude in response to reasonable inquiries. I've bought 6 from the auction sites and only had 1 slow shipper as an issue.
Check if the seller will take the FFL as a fax or e-mail and that your guy will send it that way - saves time and more readily insures receipt.
$25 is the most I've ever paid for a transfer, 15 - 20 more often. Use the FFL look-up on GB, Auction Arms and a general google for your area. Be aware that the lists on those sites are often pretty dated. You might ask around at a local club or range - most regular shooters will know of someone local that they're used.
/Bryan
Check if the seller will take the FFL as a fax or e-mail and that your guy will send it that way - saves time and more readily insures receipt.
$25 is the most I've ever paid for a transfer, 15 - 20 more often. Use the FFL look-up on GB, Auction Arms and a general google for your area. Be aware that the lists on those sites are often pretty dated. You might ask around at a local club or range - most regular shooters will know of someone local that they're used.
/Bryan
NGIB
Member
Y'all do notice he's in Wisconsin - one of the most gun unfriendly states imaginable - I'd expect FFL fees to be high...
actually i found a few places that charge $20 for a rifle transfer, but they are 20+ miles away. many gun stores around here have moved or close because the city forbids the sales of hand guns and others. bs how i have to go outside the city to buy or order a gun.
lionking
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trigga as some have mentioned.If a seller doesn't produce reasonable photos and description,ask questions.Almost all of my purchases have been great,sometimes in person the item looked even better than the photo.
However there were a couple times the item I received kind of let me down and it was my fault because I assumed and didn't ask.Once was a Persian mauser that looked flawless in the photos but in person had a couple dings that the photos didn't show.
The second time was a minty flawless looking laminated M38 Mosin carbine that was that good looking in person but has a very frosty bore.And the seller didn't mention anything about barrel condition and for some reason I didn't ask.
However there were a couple times the item I received kind of let me down and it was my fault because I assumed and didn't ask.Once was a Persian mauser that looked flawless in the photos but in person had a couple dings that the photos didn't show.
The second time was a minty flawless looking laminated M38 Mosin carbine that was that good looking in person but has a very frosty bore.And the seller didn't mention anything about barrel condition and for some reason I didn't ask.
indie
Member
I'm 4 for 4 with great transactions on gunbroker. I'd be more worried about your FFL ripping you off. Use the FFL search on gunbroker, im sure you can find a better price.
Mine does it for $20.
Mine does it for $20.
ichiban
Member
I found a private local FFL on the GunBroker search engine. Seven or eight transactions later I am still happy with GunBroker (caveat emptor) and my FFL.
yep like other people have said, ask questions. if something looks weird in the photo, ask a question about it. like my teachers said, "it never hurts to ask too many questions". ive only made one purchase on GunBroker and i am very pleased with it. It is alot like ebay. The only thing different is the 15 minute rule. on ebay, if you bid with 30 seconds left, the next person has less than 30 seconds to place another bid. On gunbroker, if you wait until 30 seconds left, as soon as you make a bid, the time remaining goes to 15 minutes. Oh and like many other people are saying, definately look around for another ffl. I personally know mine and he has done 2 guns for me for free but he said he usually charges 20 to 25 bucks. you said that you found some about 20 miles away that are cheaper. i would go to them if i were you. if you think about it, its about a gallon of gas, or 4 bucks(rounding up). that saves you 30 bucks that you could use for ammo!! well have fun bidding and good luck. hope you get what you want
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