I've sold two guns on GB (I'm not an FFL) and some old ammo and bought a few parts. I located a set of original grips for my HD-Military in excellent shape there which I had been looking for a long time. I think it was Jim's Grips. Every transaction has been A+.
Does anyone ever find anything good on Gunbroker.com?
- Thread starter El Rojo
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El Rojo
Member
So I need to check out gunsamerica too then. You say there is not listing price? Also I need to go check out Auction Arms too. Thanks guys and gals.
I am pretty much giving away Kimbers over in the group buy thread. That will be a once in a life time deal as next time I will make some money on them! Oh well, you live and learn.
I am pretty much giving away Kimbers over in the group buy thread. That will be a once in a life time deal as next time I will make some money on them! Oh well, you live and learn.
jobu07
Contributing Member
I bought a nice RPK off of gunbroker a while back. Snagged it at a pretty fair price too. Basically new in the box at that! 
I was pleased. I usually just peruse those sites though, and generally don't buy too much unless i'm actively searching for something.
I was pleased. I usually just peruse those sites though, and generally don't buy too much unless i'm actively searching for something.hotpig
Member
I have been selling on Gunbroker since they first started. Those were the good days, no listing fees, no final value fees. Paypal did not exist so money orders were the main for of payment.
Auction arms does not move inventory fast enough for me so I hardly ever list there. I did well on gunhouse.com before gunbroker ran them out of business.
Most new guns are sold at cost or just above cost. If I sell a new gun and clear 20.00 after all fees it is a banner sale. You can make money on used or collector guns but that is about it.
Why go through the hassle of selling guns? I need to move numbers to keep my FFL. My ATF Inspector said she would like to see me move 200 guns each year. In a town of 2800 that's a pretty big number.
Auction arms does not move inventory fast enough for me so I hardly ever list there. I did well on gunhouse.com before gunbroker ran them out of business.
Most new guns are sold at cost or just above cost. If I sell a new gun and clear 20.00 after all fees it is a banner sale. You can make money on used or collector guns but that is about it.
Why go through the hassle of selling guns? I need to move numbers to keep my FFL. My ATF Inspector said she would like to see me move 200 guns each year. In a town of 2800 that's a pretty big number.
Kramer Krazy
Member
I haven't bought any firearms from gunbroker.com nor gunsamerica.com, but I've bought a couple of accessories on Gunbroker. For the most part, I use both as references for gun prices. I've seen a few decent deals on used guns there, but just haven't seen anything new that would save me any money once I throw in shipping and local FFL fees, compared to what my local shops will do (I get better discounts than most people because of the frequency that I purchase things from them). I'm soon looking to try to unload a few boxes of original Black Talon handgun ammo on one of those sites, but I just haven't gotten around to doing it, yet.
I have sold a few things (mostly used fine to excellent condition guns at great starting prices) at GunBroker.com and at AuctionArms.com (more at GunBroker.com). I have also bid on a few things on each site but, I don't think I actually bought any firearms via either of them if only because I did not have the winning bid. The prices were not competitive enough for me to buy them online as opposed to buying locally.
Even though I have sold only a few things, as a private individual not as a dealer, I can tell you a few things about buying/selling on these sites. First off, think of this: Why would anyone want to buy a firearm through one of these sites unless at a fairly exceptional price? I can go to a local gun store, a sporting goods store, or a superstore (like Walmart) and pick up a fair to great deal. Let's say, for illustration, I can buy a Scheimzerzinger Volksgun in caliber .777 super magnum in a gun store for $399.99 plus tax. I go to Walmart and they have it for $329.99 plus tax. I go to the sporting goods store and they have the same, in a hunting season sale, for $309.99 (yes sometimes they under price even Walmart on Scheimzerzinger Volksguns).
Now you (any dealer, especially a new online dealer, in general) come along and want to sell the same rifle on the Internet by way of GunBroker.com. Why would someone buy from you instead of one of the above retail establishments? It certainly would not be because of your online selling reputation, you said you are about to do this. Would it be because of price? For what price do you think you can offer this gun? Would it be less expensive than it would be at the Sporting Goods store or at Walmart? OK, so you decide you will sell it for $20 less than the lowest of the above prices. Then you also have to add on shipping. OK, let's say $18.00. You are still $2.00 less expensive. Then you have to add on handling. Please don't tell me you would not charge for your time, your packing material, and so forth - because if you tell me that you will never make any money if you mean it. Even if you don't charge for handling would there be other expenses for which you would need charge or for which the buyer would have to pay even if you did not charge? In my state I am required to pay sales/use tax on items I buy over the Internet in the event the seller does not charge me accordingly. Once this was not made much of but now it is very serious. My state even now sends out the paperwork with the yearly income tax forms. In my area of my state that would be 8 3/4% tax. Still you are $2.00 less expensive because the stores would charge the same tax but, that is only if you don't charge handling; I mention this only so you don’t think that by buying from you they do not have to pay tax. I would get the better deal from you or so it would seem. Yet, if I buy at a gun store or sporting good store (maybe even at Walmart) and, I want to bring it back because it is faulty - they will take it back. You say - "so will I"; and that is fine but who pays the return shipping - not you I would bet! I also get to actually see and hold and work the actual gun I will buy at any of the above stores. I do not get that buying over the net (unless the guy selling is local and agrees I can stop by for a look). I also get the firearm immediately when I buy it at the store; with online sales I have to wait at least several days before receipt, this in addition to waiting for the bidding to be over (or even the buy it now process), waiting for you to contact me that I had the winning bid, waiting for you to send it and so forth. Then there is also the issue of trust. I can pretty much trust a sporting good store or Walmart to stand behind their items. I can trust certain gun store owners too. When I buy over an Internet auction house, that trust is not the same - nowhere near the same. Oh and did I forget that other expense? No not really, I just saved it for last, the cost of the FFL transfer. if you sell me a rifle interstate, then I have to have an FFL dealer handle the paperwork before I actually get my mitts on it. In my area that would be anywhere from $35.00 to $75.00 (less expensive in other areas but usually not below $25).
So, even if you sell the rifle so the overall cost would be lower than at a retailer, there is that waiting and the not knowing anything about you (except for your feedback) that would make buyers hesitant to buy at your price. Breaking into business selling over the Internet is bound to be as difficult as breaking into the retail business in a storefront - even for someone who already runs a gun shop. There is a lot of competition out there. The thing is though, the cost is minimal compared to a gun sore. No store rental, no electricity (well some but only enough to run the computer), no employees, no insurance for the store but, you had best get some sort of business policy covering selling guns.
This is not to discourage you, just things to think about. Apparently many people are at least supplementing their incomes by selling guns online. Good luck to you.
Even though I have sold only a few things, as a private individual not as a dealer, I can tell you a few things about buying/selling on these sites. First off, think of this: Why would anyone want to buy a firearm through one of these sites unless at a fairly exceptional price? I can go to a local gun store, a sporting goods store, or a superstore (like Walmart) and pick up a fair to great deal. Let's say, for illustration, I can buy a Scheimzerzinger Volksgun in caliber .777 super magnum in a gun store for $399.99 plus tax. I go to Walmart and they have it for $329.99 plus tax. I go to the sporting goods store and they have the same, in a hunting season sale, for $309.99 (yes sometimes they under price even Walmart on Scheimzerzinger Volksguns).
Now you (any dealer, especially a new online dealer, in general) come along and want to sell the same rifle on the Internet by way of GunBroker.com. Why would someone buy from you instead of one of the above retail establishments? It certainly would not be because of your online selling reputation, you said you are about to do this. Would it be because of price? For what price do you think you can offer this gun? Would it be less expensive than it would be at the Sporting Goods store or at Walmart? OK, so you decide you will sell it for $20 less than the lowest of the above prices. Then you also have to add on shipping. OK, let's say $18.00. You are still $2.00 less expensive. Then you have to add on handling. Please don't tell me you would not charge for your time, your packing material, and so forth - because if you tell me that you will never make any money if you mean it. Even if you don't charge for handling would there be other expenses for which you would need charge or for which the buyer would have to pay even if you did not charge? In my state I am required to pay sales/use tax on items I buy over the Internet in the event the seller does not charge me accordingly. Once this was not made much of but now it is very serious. My state even now sends out the paperwork with the yearly income tax forms. In my area of my state that would be 8 3/4% tax. Still you are $2.00 less expensive because the stores would charge the same tax but, that is only if you don't charge handling; I mention this only so you don’t think that by buying from you they do not have to pay tax. I would get the better deal from you or so it would seem. Yet, if I buy at a gun store or sporting good store (maybe even at Walmart) and, I want to bring it back because it is faulty - they will take it back. You say - "so will I"; and that is fine but who pays the return shipping - not you I would bet! I also get to actually see and hold and work the actual gun I will buy at any of the above stores. I do not get that buying over the net (unless the guy selling is local and agrees I can stop by for a look). I also get the firearm immediately when I buy it at the store; with online sales I have to wait at least several days before receipt, this in addition to waiting for the bidding to be over (or even the buy it now process), waiting for you to contact me that I had the winning bid, waiting for you to send it and so forth. Then there is also the issue of trust. I can pretty much trust a sporting good store or Walmart to stand behind their items. I can trust certain gun store owners too. When I buy over an Internet auction house, that trust is not the same - nowhere near the same. Oh and did I forget that other expense? No not really, I just saved it for last, the cost of the FFL transfer. if you sell me a rifle interstate, then I have to have an FFL dealer handle the paperwork before I actually get my mitts on it. In my area that would be anywhere from $35.00 to $75.00 (less expensive in other areas but usually not below $25).
So, even if you sell the rifle so the overall cost would be lower than at a retailer, there is that waiting and the not knowing anything about you (except for your feedback) that would make buyers hesitant to buy at your price. Breaking into business selling over the Internet is bound to be as difficult as breaking into the retail business in a storefront - even for someone who already runs a gun shop. There is a lot of competition out there. The thing is though, the cost is minimal compared to a gun sore. No store rental, no electricity (well some but only enough to run the computer), no employees, no insurance for the store but, you had best get some sort of business policy covering selling guns.
This is not to discourage you, just things to think about. Apparently many people are at least supplementing their incomes by selling guns online. Good luck to you.
MillCreek
Member
I have bought a few new and used guns and some accessories off of Gunbroker and have been happy with all my transactions. You have to know your prices, obviously.
Up here in the Seattle area, we have no Gander, Cabela's, Bass Pro, Sportsmen's Warehouse or any of the other 'big box' gun stores that help keep prices low due to competition. So the local stocking dealers, few as they are, don't always have an incentive to be particularly price-competitive. When I buy something new off of Gunbroker, even with the FFL fees, credit card surcharge and shipping, but in saving on our 8.6% state sales tax, I am usually saving $ 50-150 off the price I can get locally from a bricks and mortar store. To me, that savings is worth it.
If the total price savings is under $ 50, I will probably buy locally. Some of the local stocking dealers must think that people don't know their prices, insofar as I have seen the same model of a S&W 640 going from $ 375 to $ 550 locally. The very same thing applies to some of the dealers that routinely come to the WAC shows. You can find three people, all in the same aisle, selling the exact same Ruger revolver, with a $ 150 price difference between them. Amazing.
As a general rule, when I buy a new firearm from Gunbroker, it is from one of the established dealers. I have been quite pleased with Wilson and Associates, myself.
Up here in the Seattle area, we have no Gander, Cabela's, Bass Pro, Sportsmen's Warehouse or any of the other 'big box' gun stores that help keep prices low due to competition. So the local stocking dealers, few as they are, don't always have an incentive to be particularly price-competitive. When I buy something new off of Gunbroker, even with the FFL fees, credit card surcharge and shipping, but in saving on our 8.6% state sales tax, I am usually saving $ 50-150 off the price I can get locally from a bricks and mortar store. To me, that savings is worth it.
If the total price savings is under $ 50, I will probably buy locally. Some of the local stocking dealers must think that people don't know their prices, insofar as I have seen the same model of a S&W 640 going from $ 375 to $ 550 locally. The very same thing applies to some of the dealers that routinely come to the WAC shows. You can find three people, all in the same aisle, selling the exact same Ruger revolver, with a $ 150 price difference between them. Amazing.
As a general rule, when I buy a new firearm from Gunbroker, it is from one of the established dealers. I have been quite pleased with Wilson and Associates, myself.
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browningguy
Member
I buy firearms quite a lot on-line, but almost never new unless it is a really scarce item. New is almost never cheaper on-line with shipping and transfer fees, almost eveyone on Gunbroker, Auction arms etc. want about the same as my local dealer can sell for. Sometimes on-line dealers want full retail, who has ever paid that?
I buy a lot of used/collectible firearms on-line but maybe 20% through auctions and the rest from specialist dealers web sites. Look at Gunbroker/Auction Arms, as an example for Browning 1910/22 pistols. You'll find reserves or starting prices at $225-300 for a less than average (fair-good) piece, specialist dealers will have them for $225-300 in Excellent. It seems most of the general auction sellers have no idea what the market really is for collector pieces. If it's something they don't personally see often they assume it's really rare and worth the price of a car.
I've had a couple of decent pieces I bought at auction but it's the exception rather than the rule, almost none of them are real auctions (with a couple of exceptions).
I buy a lot of used/collectible firearms on-line but maybe 20% through auctions and the rest from specialist dealers web sites. Look at Gunbroker/Auction Arms, as an example for Browning 1910/22 pistols. You'll find reserves or starting prices at $225-300 for a less than average (fair-good) piece, specialist dealers will have them for $225-300 in Excellent. It seems most of the general auction sellers have no idea what the market really is for collector pieces. If it's something they don't personally see often they assume it's really rare and worth the price of a car.
I've had a couple of decent pieces I bought at auction but it's the exception rather than the rule, almost none of them are real auctions (with a couple of exceptions).
hotpig
Member
Glenn Bartley
You make some excellent points. You must live in a area with lots of large gun shops. This gives you the advantage of shopping around and dealer competition. In some areas the pickings are slim. I can have two small gun shops within a thirty mile drive of my home. A few years ago there were five shops.
I looked at a used excellent condition Ruger P89 last week. The price was about the same as I can buy it new. The other place sells Rugers for about 80.00 higher than they are on gunbroker. They both sell lots of inventory because 80.00 is not worth driving 50 or 60 miles each way into a larger city to shop for guns.
The internet is excellent for us rural people. We can see guns that will never be found in a local shop unless it is special ordered. Transfer fees run from 10.00 to 25.00 depending on the dealer. Shopping can be done 24/7 with no driving from shop to shop.
You make some excellent points. You must live in a area with lots of large gun shops. This gives you the advantage of shopping around and dealer competition. In some areas the pickings are slim. I can have two small gun shops within a thirty mile drive of my home. A few years ago there were five shops.
I looked at a used excellent condition Ruger P89 last week. The price was about the same as I can buy it new. The other place sells Rugers for about 80.00 higher than they are on gunbroker. They both sell lots of inventory because 80.00 is not worth driving 50 or 60 miles each way into a larger city to shop for guns.
The internet is excellent for us rural people. We can see guns that will never be found in a local shop unless it is special ordered. Transfer fees run from 10.00 to 25.00 depending on the dealer. Shopping can be done 24/7 with no driving from shop to shop.
jaimeshawn
Member
I picked up a MAS49/56 at a good price on gunbroker - but you have to wade through reams of sucker deals to find the one or two possible good ones. Good Luck!
I've bought 2 from Gunbroker and 2 from Auction Arms...all used, good deals, in 90% + or LNIB condition. I always e-mail some questions before bidding and sometimes call to discuss the gun. I always inquire about a 3 day no-fire evaluation period (Auction Arms std policy). Also I like to verify that the shipping will be adequately insured.
Between e-mails, phone conversation, printed description and price, you can get a pretty good feel for the value and likelihood of a satisfying transaction...probably as time consuming as buying local but without all the driving around (around here, have to go a distance to see some models). Shipping and local FFL transfer usually work out to less than local sales tax.
/Bryan
Between e-mails, phone conversation, printed description and price, you can get a pretty good feel for the value and likelihood of a satisfying transaction...probably as time consuming as buying local but without all the driving around (around here, have to go a distance to see some models). Shipping and local FFL transfer usually work out to less than local sales tax.
/Bryan
45Broomhandle
Member
Where Do I Buy???
I believe I've bought ONE gun off Gunbroker.com so far this year. But, as I recall I've bought probably a dozen off AuctionArms. (I've sold one on AA and have two listed there right now.) GunsAmerica??? I keep looking there for the few rarities I'm seeking, but GA sellers are usually WAY out of range on their prices. Since GA doesn't charge a fee, I MIGHT try them next time I'm thinning the herd of some guns that I've upgraded or lost interest in. However, I've always been fascinated with the auction form of buying and selling and probably will stick with it. 45Broomhandle
I believe I've bought ONE gun off Gunbroker.com so far this year. But, as I recall I've bought probably a dozen off AuctionArms. (I've sold one on AA and have two listed there right now.) GunsAmerica??? I keep looking there for the few rarities I'm seeking, but GA sellers are usually WAY out of range on their prices. Since GA doesn't charge a fee, I MIGHT try them next time I'm thinning the herd of some guns that I've upgraded or lost interest in. However, I've always been fascinated with the auction form of buying and selling and probably will stick with it. 45Broomhandle
MarshallDodge
Member
Most of the guns I buy these days are off the Internet. Maybe I should be supporting my local dealers but at prices that are 10-20% higher and then I have to pay tax.
I usually can find something used in excellent condition on the Internet and have had only one situation that I could have done a little better.
I usually can find something used in excellent condition on the Internet and have had only one situation that I could have done a little better.
Tejas Gunwerks
Member
Online Auctions/Listings
Some of us Dealers get good prices and are willing to pass it along to our internet customers. We don't have to work as hard to sell on line. There are a few exceptions though. If you buy online expect to get a lower price and along with that cut rate service. If you want to examine the item and questions in person, expect to pay a higher price. One advantage to out of state buyers is that if you don't report to your state comptroller you bought something over the internet you can get out of paying tax on it.
Some of us Dealers get good prices and are willing to pass it along to our internet customers. We don't have to work as hard to sell on line. There are a few exceptions though. If you buy online expect to get a lower price and along with that cut rate service. If you want to examine the item and questions in person, expect to pay a higher price. One advantage to out of state buyers is that if you don't report to your state comptroller you bought something over the internet you can get out of paying tax on it.
Guns_and_Labs
Member
I've bought and sold on gunbroker probably a dozen times, bought a couple off of auctionarms, and one off of gunsamerica. Always used stuff, usually very custom, and usually something I couldn't find locally.
I've always paid attention to the ratings, but then, I've never had a problem.
I've always paid attention to the ratings, but then, I've never had a problem.
bobhaverford
Member
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2005
- Messages
- 138
Great deals, good deals, not so good deals!
My first experience on gunbroker.com was a bad one. I bought a P229 "with less than 50 rounds through it in LNC." The gun condition was a 5/10 with black magic marker used to cover some of the cosmetic problems. Fortunately, the guy took it back.
My second experience was a gun AT wholesale cost. NIB. I was very pleased.
I sold an A bolt which was never fired and the buyer was very pleased.
I sold a Sig NIB and the buyer was thrilled.
Be VERY careful. The guy who sold me the P229 had a 100% rating.
I use GunBroker to establish a baseline price and as an aid to shopping. If they are the cheapest then I will act accordingly factoring in the risk involved - generally pretty small if you do your homework.
My first experience on gunbroker.com was a bad one. I bought a P229 "with less than 50 rounds through it in LNC." The gun condition was a 5/10 with black magic marker used to cover some of the cosmetic problems. Fortunately, the guy took it back.
My second experience was a gun AT wholesale cost. NIB. I was very pleased.
I sold an A bolt which was never fired and the buyer was very pleased.
I sold a Sig NIB and the buyer was thrilled.
Be VERY careful. The guy who sold me the P229 had a 100% rating.
I use GunBroker to establish a baseline price and as an aid to shopping. If they are the cheapest then I will act accordingly factoring in the risk involved - generally pretty small if you do your homework.
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