In the past I could, but I believe the laws just recently changed.
Getting comfortable with buying a gun I can't inspect in person
- Thread starter barnfrog
- Start date
I probably wouldn't buy something like that if I couldn't look at it in person. It's not like a Glock or mid-high end AR where there's not much that could be off about it. 3 hour drive isn't bad it if that's something you've been looking for specifically. Get a buddy to go with you.
Armored farmer
Member
When I buy used, I don't expect perfection.
D.B. Cooper
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This is why I don't sell anything online. Everyone has a ton of questions and wants tons of photos, and none of them will actually buy. This is why I don't buy anything online, either. (Reputable vendors with return policies not withstanding.) The secondary market, especially online, is truly the wild west. Caveat emptor.
And half the time, the questions they have are ones that were already answered in the ad.
halfmoonclip
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If you can get a return authorization from the manufacturer, they will accept responsibility for the shipping cost. I'll return a gun myself; decent manufacturers are genuinely good about it. Catching the gun on the return trip (signature is required) was more of a problem before retiring.
I've two Gunbroker buys; a 7.65 stainless PPK, and a 940 Smith. Both showed up exactly as advertised. Stainless is somewhat forgiving, as compared to blued guns.
Moon
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Every used revolver I purchased off of Gunbroker was unsatisfactory. That's a total of two however, and they both had to go back to the factory for repair. The S&W at my expense and the Ruger for the cost of shipping. The S&W was way out of time and the Ruger had a cylinder gap way out of spec. Nothing that could be seen in the auctions. Twice is enough for me, I'll buy new or not at all without very serious evidence.
silicosys4
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Most of my used guns were bought sight unseen off of auctions or online retailers.
I've had to return 2 guns of maybe 60-70 purchased online, for condition issues not disclosed during the sale.
I'm sure there are a lot of auctions out there that will lead to disappointment, but as I've gotten to compare what was shown to what was actually received, I've gotten pretty good at reading marginal auction photos. Most guns that look bad in auction photos are actually better than represented, and I've bought guns based on very poor photos with a fair amount of confidence.
To give you an example, I won this auction for a low price and no other bids specifically because of the bad photos, I suspect.
www.gunauction.com
Even through the bad photos you can see that the lines are strong, the edges are sharp so likely not a refinish, and the bluing is still mostly there. After some light cleanup work it ended up being a 95% gun with a lot of nice finish left worth maybe double the hammer price.
I'd stick to online retailers rather than auctions if you don't want to gamble at all. Most retailers will email you better/more detailed pictures if you ask.
Also make sure you call the seller and talk to them personally before sending funds.
Never purchase from a seller that will only accept unrefutable payments such as Zele.
I've had to return 2 guns of maybe 60-70 purchased online, for condition issues not disclosed during the sale.
I'm sure there are a lot of auctions out there that will lead to disappointment, but as I've gotten to compare what was shown to what was actually received, I've gotten pretty good at reading marginal auction photos. Most guns that look bad in auction photos are actually better than represented, and I've bought guns based on very poor photos with a fair amount of confidence.
To give you an example, I won this auction for a low price and no other bids specifically because of the bad photos, I suspect.
Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless Blued .32 Auto (7.65 Browning)
This is a lightly used but heavily carried Colt 1903 chambered in 32acp. The pistol is in good mechanical condition but shows numerous nicks, dings and scratc
www.gunauction.com
I'd stick to online retailers rather than auctions if you don't want to gamble at all. Most retailers will email you better/more detailed pictures if you ask.
Also make sure you call the seller and talk to them personally before sending funds.
Never purchase from a seller that will only accept unrefutable payments such as Zele.
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barnfrog
Member
Thank you all for the replies. Lots of good stuff to keep in mind as I continue my search.
DeepSouth
Random Guy
I just gamble.
As a rule of thumb external wear is representative of internal wear, obviously exceptions occur. Pictures do a LOT for me.
But if I’m buying online I’ve decided 2 things.
1: I’ll probably overpay.
2: I’m willing to gamble.
Also, if someone takes the time to get really close, nice pictures of relatively small issues then I feel fairly confident they’re trying make any issues known rather than hiding them.
Fortunately i’ve never been burned, but I don’t do a lot on line dealings either.
As a rule of thumb external wear is representative of internal wear, obviously exceptions occur. Pictures do a LOT for me.
But if I’m buying online I’ve decided 2 things.
1: I’ll probably overpay.
2: I’m willing to gamble.
Also, if someone takes the time to get really close, nice pictures of relatively small issues then I feel fairly confident they’re trying make any issues known rather than hiding them.
Fortunately i’ve never been burned, but I don’t do a lot on line dealings either.
hemiram
Member
I've never had any serious issues from ANY used gun I've bought online. I've bought about a dozen used revolvers and they have all been as described or better, but some of them were amazingly dirty when they arrived. A Dan Wesson 15-2 had so much unburned powder inside it that it was almost impossible to cock it for SA shooting. On the other hand, a very dirty and fuzzy S&W 28-2 in the auction pics showed up not only clean, but oiled up and looked fantastic. I added the Altimont grips:
Mosin77
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If it’s odd you often have no choice but to find it sight unseen unless you want to wait decades for one to come up locally. I’ve had some great local finds but many of my guns have been bought online. I read the description carefully, look at the photos, come back and read the description a few hours later (sometimes you miss things on an excited first reading) and ask pointed questions. Haven’t really been burned.
Back when I was selling things on the online sites I included a large number of very high quality photographs, and it was still not uncommon for people to ask for additional pics, measurements, or some other thing. I dind't mind doing it, the exra photos only helped out if someone else came along and asked the same thing. It can't hurt to ask, and if the seller doesn't want to do it, just move on.
Ohen Cepel
Member
Gunbroker did me wrong for the last time today. So, I'll make/take the time to hit local shops in my area looking for what I want. Yes, I have to take the time and burn the gas to hit several shops but that has served me much better over the years.
2nd thing I have realized recently is that if someone makes something you want buy it ASAP. I have passed on things which I liked (but I knew were odd) as I thought I could get it cheaper down the road used but that rarely worked out for me.
2nd thing I have realized recently is that if someone makes something you want buy it ASAP. I have passed on things which I liked (but I knew were odd) as I thought I could get it cheaper down the road used but that rarely worked out for me.
ask for more pics and ask plenty of questions about it until you feel you are comfortable. I bought my Trapdoor, M1917, M1903A3 and M96 online and all are in great condition and are shooters. The only issue I encountered is the seller said the M96 was all matching and it was not but I wasn't looking for a collector's item, so I didn't care. However, I did follow up with him and tell him he should not be advertising that when he has not personally disassembled the rifle.
OP
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barnfrog
Member
Well, I went and did it. Won an auction for a 57-6 today. Seller had lots of good pics, gun looks to be in very clean condition with a very light turn line on the cylinder. They offer a return policy if I'm not happy after inspecting the gun, so I feel like I'm in good shape. Thanks everyone for helping me make what I feel was a good decision.
hey smepl this
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Buying without handling first is an issue, but it’s often an unavoidable issue for me so I roll the dice. The ranges in my area are limited on what’s available to rent. I’ve never been burned with a defective gun but I’ve had some that just didn’t work for me and it took one or more range trips to determine that.
Laws didnt force them. They made the decision on their own. FEDX and UPS are private companies. Not much we can do when its not our playground.
Reputable sellers will have an inspection period. You may be on the hook for shipping but that is far cheaper than accepting a piece of junk.
***Ive never had to return a gun to the seller from an online auction.
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