gunbroker
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rbernie
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I have bought and sold dozens of firearms and hundreds of firearm parts and accessories on AuctionArms and GunBroker. I had some initial issues with GunBroker some years back - they really didn't do much to keep fraudulent sellers from screwing potential buyers and actively punished anyone making a stink about it - but my more recent experiences with sellers on their site have all been positive. Of the online firearms auction sites, I still favor AuctionArms for their more balanced approach to dealing with transaction problems, but GunBroker clearly has more items listed and is hard to resist.
Be sure to factor in shipping and transfer fees before deciding what an item is worth, when buying from any Internet auction/ad site. Shipping is commonly $25-$40 and transfer fees similarly priced. That means that, on average, your out-the-door price will be $50-$80 more than the actual closing price of the auction....
Be sure to factor in shipping and transfer fees before deciding what an item is worth, when buying from any Internet auction/ad site. Shipping is commonly $25-$40 and transfer fees similarly priced. That means that, on average, your out-the-door price will be $50-$80 more than the actual closing price of the auction....
Guns and more
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I've never had a problem with anything I've bought on Gunbroker.
I set a top price and I don't go one penny over it.
Don't get into the mindset of "I won" or "I lost".
Sellers only charge sales tax if you live in the seller's state. Read the seller's rules, how he is to be paid, how much for shipping to your FFL, etc. (before you buy)
If I am the high bidder, I e-mail the seller immediately, tell him what I'm going to do (USPS money order, etc.) and then I follow through promptly.
If I am not the high bidder, I start looking for another one. There's always another one around the corner. Don't feel bad, move on.
My LGS, nice folks, small selection, sells a bunch of guns on Gunbroker, so don't feel sorry for your LGS. Plus the LGS gets the $30 for the FFL transfer.
I'd also recommend looking at Davidson's through a LGS. They sell new, and are a good gauge of price.
I set a top price and I don't go one penny over it.
Don't get into the mindset of "I won" or "I lost".
Sellers only charge sales tax if you live in the seller's state. Read the seller's rules, how he is to be paid, how much for shipping to your FFL, etc. (before you buy)
If I am the high bidder, I e-mail the seller immediately, tell him what I'm going to do (USPS money order, etc.) and then I follow through promptly.
If I am not the high bidder, I start looking for another one. There's always another one around the corner. Don't feel bad, move on.
??? There is no charge for the buyer. If you mean a lot of folks bid on Gunbroker, maybe, and why's that? Because they have what you want. Thus, the sellers with the best items will gravitate to Gunbroker.
My LGS, nice folks, small selection, sells a bunch of guns on Gunbroker, so don't feel sorry for your LGS. Plus the LGS gets the $30 for the FFL transfer.
True. But I have always found the extra cost is more than offset by the savings in sales tax, and the high price in the LGS.
I'd also recommend looking at Davidson's through a LGS. They sell new, and are a good gauge of price.
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Many people have a valid concern about not being able to handle the merchandise prior to buying it. Obviously, if the item is NIB (New In Box) this is less of a concern but, with used items, don't be afraid to ask questions and for more photos. Interacting with the seller before the sale can give you a hint of what kind of person you are dealing with. Also, many items come with an inspection period where, if you are not satisfied, you can send it back. Of course you are out the cost of shipping both ways and if it is a firearm, be sure to inspect and decide before you do the transfer paperwork. If the item does not say it comes with an inspection period again, contact the seller and ask for one. Remember, they are trying to sell you something so, most will agree to reasonable requests and if they don't, pass and keep looking.
If you want deals like the previous poster found, it takes a little effort. They aren't just going to drop in your lap. I've seen auctions where you have two of the same guns, in similar condition and one will go for a stupid price one day and the other, a great price, a day or two later, or the other way around.
With a few exceptions, most of the sellers I have dealt with on GunBroker are good down to earth people and they handled the transition in a friendly and courteous manner and wanted me to be happy with my purchase. I've also dealt with a couple of jerks. That is the thing with any kind of auction, there is a certain element of risk but, the reward is, on the whole, GunBroker has allowed me to buy guns of types and quality that I almost never, if ever, see at a gun show or in a local gun store and at some decent prices. Overall, it is a very useful tool but, it is not perfect. You have to use your head.
If you want deals like the previous poster found, it takes a little effort. They aren't just going to drop in your lap. I've seen auctions where you have two of the same guns, in similar condition and one will go for a stupid price one day and the other, a great price, a day or two later, or the other way around.
With a few exceptions, most of the sellers I have dealt with on GunBroker are good down to earth people and they handled the transition in a friendly and courteous manner and wanted me to be happy with my purchase. I've also dealt with a couple of jerks. That is the thing with any kind of auction, there is a certain element of risk but, the reward is, on the whole, GunBroker has allowed me to buy guns of types and quality that I almost never, if ever, see at a gun show or in a local gun store and at some decent prices. Overall, it is a very useful tool but, it is not perfect. You have to use your head.
Flynt
Member
I have bought a lot of firearms online. I've had good luck with GB, AuctionArms, and GunsAmerica. I've also found good deals and really nice sellers in classified sections such as THR and Marlinowners.
In 99.99% of the time the sellers have accurately described the guns -- or the guns have been better than described. You do need to understand the gun you're looking at so as to ask intelligent questions.
When it comes down to it, for me it's a matter of economics. I try to buy all big ticket items, say $100 and up, online -- solely because of the sales tax. I have bought high end camera gear, boots, clothes, a nice gas grill, etc. online when the total netted out to be less than a local purchase. We bought a new, large flalt screen Sony TV 3 years ago for about $2,800, and with the break in sales tax and local delivery charges, saved about $1k.
I've been burned once, on a camera lens from ebay, but they got half of my money back.
In 99.99% of the time the sellers have accurately described the guns -- or the guns have been better than described. You do need to understand the gun you're looking at so as to ask intelligent questions.
When it comes down to it, for me it's a matter of economics. I try to buy all big ticket items, say $100 and up, online -- solely because of the sales tax. I have bought high end camera gear, boots, clothes, a nice gas grill, etc. online when the total netted out to be less than a local purchase. We bought a new, large flalt screen Sony TV 3 years ago for about $2,800, and with the break in sales tax and local delivery charges, saved about $1k.
I've been burned once, on a camera lens from ebay, but they got half of my money back.
Steve 48
Member
I bought 12 guns through Gunbrocker at prices I could not pay here. They were all as described. Gunbrocker is a good organization.
stchman
Member
Gunbroker is not a bad thing, people just seem to want to charge outrageous amounts for their firearms that they list on there.
I don't know what some people are thinking, do they really believe that the mere fact they owned a particular firearm increases that particular firearm's value 40%?
Big thing about Gunbroker is you just have to search for the deals. They are there.
I don't know what some people are thinking, do they really believe that the mere fact they owned a particular firearm increases that particular firearm's value 40%?
Big thing about Gunbroker is you just have to search for the deals. They are there.
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