Experience with Internet purchases?

[SurgicalGloves88]

In the past I have only bought guns from dealers. I'm looking to get a new pistol. My usual place to buy will sell it to me for 1100.00 out the door but I can buy it off the Nelson tactical website for 850.00. I am curious about your experiences buying from websites. Do the guns from websites have small imperfections? Is that why it's cheaper, or does my local shop just charge more because they need to make their sales count?

 

[calaverasslim]

Internet sales

I have bought guns both ways but find it can be cheaper using the Internet. As long as you use a reputable dealer.

You have to pay shipping, 25-50 bucks and you have to pay a FFL dealer on your end to transfer the gun to you. The gun has to ship to your FFL and not to you. If the seller is in your state, there is some discussion if he can ship to you. You have to provide your FFL's License to the seller, wherever they are before they can ship the gun.

I generally pay 20-30 for shipping and 25 to my FFL dealer for the transfer.

Using the figures you provide, then it looks like your saving some money. Just be aware that you may be less than happy when you get the gun, that is why I said use a reputable seller

I go to GunsAmerica to buy online unless I know that the seller is honest

All in all, I have been more than satisified with my purchases.

Good luck

 

[NMBrian]

Gun Broker
Guns America
Buds Gun Shop

Those are the three I have bought from in the past. I live in a fairly small town, so everything in the stores here is marked up a good 200$+. Unless its some kind of amazing sale or deal, I always buy online now.

May we ask what website you are planning buying from? If its one of the three I mentioned above, I can vouch for their trustworthiness.

Like Calverasslim said, you will just have it shipped to an FFL, who will then perform the check and give you your firearm. Make sure you call your FFL ahead of time too, I know that our local gun stores wont let you ship to them if its a firearm that they sell in the store!!!!

 

[kdave21]

I have bought and sold guns on the internet through the use of FFLs. Here is my list of advice:

1. Check sellers ratings.

In my opinion, he generally shouldn't have more than one or two negatives per 100 transactions. None is preferable, but then again I have seen buyers make unfair accusations against sellers, and that's why I think one or two can be okay, depending on the circumstances.

2. Insist on good pictures of what you are buying.

This is not as crucial on a truly new, in the box factory type situation, but for a used gun, assume nothing.

3. Find an FFL on your end you can trust.

Compare prices, service, and availability of local sporting good stores, pawn shops, and the small time guys. Gunbroker.com has a dealer network you can find FFL holders through.

4. Ask questions.

If youre not sure, ask. The time to find out is not when you open the package.

Other than that, I cant really think of what else you would need to know...

 

[bikemutt]

The few gunbroker.com transaction I've completed were all good and I did save some money. I use a local FFL who does not sell retail guns so there is no lost sale for him when I buy online. It could be awkward to ask a retail dealer to do a transfer when he's got the same higher priced gun on his shelf I suppose.

 

[Lawdawg45]

I've purchased a half dozen handguns from Galleryofguns.com, and their selection, availability and prices are hard to beat. You purchase on-line and they give you multiple options of shops/FFL's close to your zip code, and the last couple of times the gun they shipped to my local shop was $75 to $100 cheaper than the identical one in their case!

LD45

 

[ForumSurfer]

How I buy my guns:

New: Local gun store, unless I can save greater than %20 online (including the $10 to $25 FFL transfer fee). I've dealt with Bud's and a few others and had outstanding results, but I've never had to return anything or had an issue...so YMMV. Everything I purchase is destinied to be a shooter, so I'm not too worried about an immaculate finish.

Used: I'm paranoid about getting ripped off, so I have to see it in person. That limits me to LGS's, pawn shops and online face to face classifieds. I bought one sight unseen once, but the guy sent me spectacular pictures of the action and the bore.

Do the guns from websites have small imperfections?

No, unless otherwise noted....and of course, assuming you are dealing with a questionable business.

Is that why it's cheaper, or does my local shop just charge more because they need to make their sales count?

Gunstores turn a profit off of accessories or sheer bulk. There is very little markup in firearms when compared to any other industry. Small shops sometime raise their prices in an effort to make money off of a small volume, which in turn causes people to shop elsewhere...which leads to the small volume selling store continuing to be just that, a small volume store.

I made my last purchase at Bud's because all of my local stores had high mark ups on the nicer 22 target pistols (the mid priced buckmarks or ruger hunters). The transaction was smooth and everything was received as described.

 

[zoom6zoom]

Is that why it's cheaper, or does my local shop just charge more because they need to make their sales count?

Don't forget that many online sellers, be it firearms or any other product, just don't have the same overhead as a brick and mortar seller.

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

I have never purchased a firearm sight unseen. Except like twice when buddies got it for me, but they know what I like so it was fine. Otherwise I want to hold it and look at it myself.

 

[LTR shooter]

I've had mostly good luck from gunbroker , the only Internet gun site I've used. Picked up 3 guns there last year - all much better deals than anything I could find locally. My FFL is sells there too and only charges $15 for a transfer.

 

[cackalak]

I haven't bought a firearm online yet, but mainly due to my LGS having good (or close enough) prices. Can your local shop match or come close to that price?

 

[SFsc616171]

I have acquired a few of my revolvers on GunsAmerica dot com. Yes, you do have to ship to your local favorite 'armorer'. I have been picky about what I was looking for, and have not been disappointed.

 

[catnphx]

I bought my Mossy 590A1 through BudsGunShop.com and had it delivered to Cabela's ... worked very well. Though I've not used them, you might want to also check out Jetguns.com ... I've seen many posters from several sites give them thumps up.

 

[oldbear]

This year I have purchased two revolvers from Internet auction sites. I do though have several guidelines I follow.
1- only deal with a seller who has a brick and mortar location.
2- at least a 3 day inspection time. 5 days is even better.
3- Only deal with a seller who will accept American Express.

I know that I have missed some good deals following the above, but it only takes one bad deal to wipe out a year or more of good deals.

 

[Ala Dan]

Mt. Vernon Gun & Coin
Mt. Vernon, IL

Nowdays, prices are a bit on the "high side"; but they certainly treated me right
back in 2000, on a used 6" S&W model 28 "Highway Patrolman"~!

 

[jbr]

I have found Gallery of Guns to be competative. I have bought a couple from them. They show you the price that dealers in your area charge - and you can pick the cheapest one and have it shipped there for usually 20.00. I have called a couple of the stores and asked if they will just sell me the one in the case for the same price and they said - "just order online and they will shipped to us and you can pick it up tomorrow. " I guess it keeps them from having to order stock and they probably make about the same profit. That way you can you pay a small down payment and complete the transcation in the retail store after you inspect the gun. I find they run 10 to 15.00 more on a 400-450.00 gun - but getting it at the local dealer has some perk's like fast delivery - usually one day if you place the order before 1 or 2 o'clock and someone to ask a question or get help with a problem. Most on-line retailers charge 20 - 30 shipping and then your dealer charges 20-50 for the transfer. GoG isn't the absolute cheapest but reliable and huge selection - doesn't matter if the store normally stocks it or not.

 

[longknife12]

I've used Auction Arms for 10 years...I simply bid what a product is worth to me....if I get it, good...if not, there will be others. Check sellers feed back and read add several times before bid.So far, I'm satisfied.
Dan

 

[BYJO4]

I have bought a few guns thru Gun Broker Auction that were hard to find or over priced locally. I have not had any problems and have been very satisfied with the results.

 

[SurgicalGloves88]

Thank you, I read all af your posts, every single one, very informative. I appreciate you letting me pick your brains. I frequently look at on many of the online gun sites. I find then to be great as a quick reference for pictures and specs when I compare weapons, I just never bought from them. The site I found the HK p30s v3 on is Nelson Tactical. If you have had any transactions with them please let me know. I have had some recent correspondence with Nelson Tactical. They told me that there is no inspection period because the gun is sold brand new. They even used my exact words from my email "still dripping with factory lubracant." However they can not provide it to me with the tritium night sites that I crave so badly. An added cost of 130 dollars for the night sites plus insulation from my local HK armor, I may just buy the gun from them. I have bought a few firearms from them and they know my face and treat me very fairly. It seems like buying the gun from the authorized HK armor makes more sense now. It's 250 less on Nelson Tactical but I have to have it outfitted with the upgraded sites locally. Which adds 130 dollars to the total invest ment I must make before I am willing to carry it concealed. If I buy the pistol locally it comes with the tritrium sites and I can hold the actual gun i am buying and inspect it as well.

 

[doc.lonestar]

I usually prefer to get my hands on something and walk out the door with it vs buying a firearm online.... that is what I prefer...

the reality of it is that I have found several deals online on gunbroker that included free shipping and could not turn it down - Ruger LCR and also American Classic Commander.


Also, if you have any friends with FFLs check with them to see if they can get it cheaper. If you are in DFW texas I have several people that can assist you.

 

[Clark]

I have lots of guns on line, the most unusual were:
1) Auction: 1934 Beretta 380 bring back had a bulged barrel
2) Auction: Ruger #1V 223 shot all sub moa [Who would sell this?]
3) Auction: M44 and case of ammo. I just flew back from Japan and went to a job interview, and was over 24 hours without sleep. I had no recollection of even LOOKING at the auction I won.

 

[tuckerdog1]

Gun Broker: 1 purchase, not a gun. New item ( laser ). Went well.

Bud's Guns: 2 guns. Both buys went well.

Jet Guns: 2 guns. Both buys went well.

Didn't have to pay tax for any of the above. The guns from Bud's & Jet shipped free. Bud's charges a fee for credit cards, Jet does not.

When picking up at my FFL, I inspect for defects, and have the option to refuse if there are issues ( there hasn't been any ).

If you find something you like on one site, but can't find it on another, give the one that doesn't have it listed a call. I did that with a gun that was listed on Bud's, but not on Jet. When I called Jet, I told them I was looking at it on Bud's, and was surprised they didn't have it as well. I know the guy on the phone quickly checked Bud's price. Told me he didn't have it in stock, but could get it in 2 days. Then quoted me a price $20 under Bud's. Combine that with the no fee for the credit card, and I saved about $35.

Tuckerdog1

 

[CTPhil]

All of the guns I've bought online have exceeded my expectations.

 

[hinkleid]

I have bought at least 10 guns online over about the last 5 years. I have never had a problem whatsoever and saved plenty of money. I have only bought NEW though, so it is going to be the same gun as locally. My local FFL charges $10 and since I have a concealed permit I just fill out ATF form and go.

 

[LotI]

I have a local guy who doesn't stock a lot but is signed up with Bud's and Davidson's(Gallery of Guns.) I had a Gunbroker auction for my R700 shipped there no problem, just a dealer to dealer transfer.

I bought several guns and have been more than pleased with the speed and price. Handguns are shipped FedEx overnight and long guns come UPS. He calls or sends an email when it's in and I take care of the paperwork.

The best experience with Davidson's was a new Savage Edge(now Axis) that shot 4" low at 100 yards regardless of the scope. I simple phone call to them and I got full credit for a Remington. Easy. Similar from Buds...I bought a gun that should have come with a high-capacity magazine but it shipped with 10 rounders. I called them and they just had the dealer ship it back, no cost to me or the dealer.

The distributors run specials so it's worth keeping your eye on the price. I bought my latest for less than he shows in the store. He pays less during the sales and makes more profit. I save too. Win-Win.