Buying guns online. Should I worry?

[Amadeus]

I found a shop online called Onpoint Firearms and I think I want to make my next purchase through their website, but I am hesitant about buying a gun online. There’s just something about walking into a shop and physically picking out the firearm that lends an element of credibility to the exchange.

Does anyone have experiences (good or bad) with buying guns online?

 

[Carlos]

Don't know anything about the dealer you're talking about, but I've purchased several firearms online.

I'd say, go for it.

 

[Roadkill]

I wouldn't spent $1000 on one without seeing it, but I've bought several in the $300-$500 range without problem. Hell, before long this might be the only way we'll be able to get one.

rk

 

[Standing Wolf]

Any time you buy any gun—new, used, or otherwise—it's a crap shoot. I've ended up with excellent guns I've never seen nor seen pictures of, bad guns new in their boxes in gun shops, mediocre guns over the internet, mediocre guns in gun shops, et cetera. Fortunately, I know a good gunsmith, who's been able to fix everything I've handed him to date.

 

[2nd Amendment]

I've bought two online in the 1k range each. Both were exactly as described. From also doing other business for years on ebay I'd say it's safe to generalize that most sellers online are amazingly honest. I'm certain there are bad apples but they are a definite minority.

 

[Trebor]

If you are buying from a shop, instead of a private individual, you stand less of a chance of being totally scammed and sending the payment only to never receive the gun. That's in your favor.

I've made several purchases over the web and all have been satisfactory. In a couple cases, the guns weren't quite as nice as described, or the seller failed to mention a problem that I didn't specifically think to ask about, but none of the cases were bad enough for me to hassle with trying to send the guns back and cancel the deal. I ask a few more questions now is all, including a catch-all "Is there anything bad about this gun that I didn't think to ask that I should know about?"

I always get a phone number from the seller and ask to give him a brief call before I send the payment. I figure I have a little bit better chance to figure out if something sounds "off" over the phone than I do over e-mail. If they refuse to give a phone number, I pass on the deal.

I've gotten a few good deals on some nice guns by shopping the web classifieds and now it's the first place I look.

 

[Leatherneck]

Amadeus:
Have you been looking right here at THR? I've personally never had a problem with a gun bought from somebody on this board, and I've never even heard of anyone having such a problem. Heck, if word got out that a seller had screwed a buyer on THR, I think they'd be virtually tarred and feathered!

Same disclaimer applies about shipping costs, of course.

TC
TFL Survivor

 

[Chairman]

Onpoint firearms posts regualrly on Sigforum and everything I've heard has been positive (and the prices on Sigs are generally quite good).

 

[Wildalaska]

One thing I want, as an on line seller, is personal contact. I want to know who I am dealing with. I am suspicious of people who wont call (especially when we have a toll free number)..I want to make sure that the buyer clearly understands what I am selling.

Similarly, when I buy on line I want to talk to the person about the gun. You can tell right away whether you are getting a fair deal or not.

WildsimplerulesAlaska

 

[Rockrivr1]

I've bought several rifles through the internet. Some from online dealers and some from AuctionArms. So far I've been happy with the guns I've received.

But, I've always talked to the person on the phone before sending funds and I've asked for pictures and the serial number on the weapon I was buying. For the most part, sellers and dealers are willing to give you what you want to close the deal.

If someone balks, then I'd think twice about sending the funds.

 

[F4GIB]

I've had good luck with purchases up to $2500. Get pictures, inch by inch description of the blemishes, 3-day inspection/return. I prefer to negotiate in writing because it locks the seller in to his words.