Mitchell Gard
Member
Haha nice tyeo. What do you look for in rifles you buy or trade for? What do others look for in yours?
Buying used rifles?
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newfalguy101
Member
Generally speaking, if it seems too good, IT IS.
Not sure where you are seeing the ads, but, if on an auction site, the starting bid is often very low in relation to the actual selling price.
Mitchell Gard
Member
The one I'm referring to was on gunsamerica and was by a seller with 750+ transactions.
BrocLuno
Member
I've bought from all the major auction sites, but I like GB the best. Although, I have good luck at Auction Arms too. I sell almost exclusively either local or through GB. I have not had a real bad experience yet. I have hard some rifles take their sweet time getting here, which is odd as they are mostly a controlled transit commodity 
I'd do a lot of looking into models I like and then spring for one that has what I want. I always "test" the vendor with an email question. If I get a good answer, the deal will be OK. If I get a one word answer or gibberish, the deals off and I won't place that first bid.
I'd do a lot of looking into models I like and then spring for one that has what I want. I always "test" the vendor with an email question. If I get a good answer, the deal will be OK. If I get a one word answer or gibberish, the deals off and I won't place that first bid.
newfalguy101
Member
I have been wondering what you mean by "test" since I saw your post last week.
How bout an example??
For what its worth, I always try to give complete accurate answers to any question I get from potential buyers
BrocLuno
Member
I test the vendor by sending an email about a feature of the rifle that is visible in the picture but not obvious. Like maybe the safety lever looks a little bent or something. I ask if it's ok and does it function correctly, etc.
If the answer I get back is complete and to the point, I know I'm dealing with a real human being who is familiar with the rifle, so I feel confident bidding on that item.
If the answer I get back is something like; we don't know, we don't test, it looks OK to us - but we're not experts, etc - I know I'm dealing with a "seller" and not a shooter. I usually don't continue and take that one off the watch list and move on.
Life is too short to deal with idiots and folks who don't care about what they are selling
If the answer I get back is complete and to the point, I know I'm dealing with a real human being who is familiar with the rifle, so I feel confident bidding on that item.
If the answer I get back is something like; we don't know, we don't test, it looks OK to us - but we're not experts, etc - I know I'm dealing with a "seller" and not a shooter. I usually don't continue and take that one off the watch list and move on.
Life is too short to deal with idiots and folks who don't care about what they are selling
TexasPatriot.308
Member
I dont buy used guns unless it is from a good friend. I know I have unloaded some real lemons on pawn shops etc. someone else got that problem now, I got rid of it.
wyohome
Member
The 2 worst guns I have ever bought were a new S&W J-Frame 38 and a new Kimber rifle. Neither were as good as my worst used purchase.
243winxb
Member
Most rifles will be in good working order. Poor accuracy is what gets a gun traded or sold the fastest. The price tells you very little. A need of cash or divorce can be a reason for a quick sale . Gun dealers, with ready ca$h, buy firearms at low prices. Best to ask the customer "What do you want for it." Looking the gun over or seeing good photos can tell a trained eye a lot. Buying from a dealer may not get you the lowest price, but may be the safest.
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