Leap of Faith? Online auctions.

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Amadeus

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Can I trust a used revolver that I have purchased online?

I want to purchase a Smith and Wesson Model 60 without "the lock". Since S&W no longer makes the gun for grown ups I will need to purchase one used. So -- I turn to gunbroker where several are listed. I don't mind getting a used revolver. But am I taking too much of a risk buying online where I am unable to give the item a proper inspection until I have paid for it and had it shipped to my local FFL?

Please let me know your experiences purchasing revolvers via websites like Gunsamerica and gunbroker. By the way -- I know there will be those will horrible experiences. Please try not to use this as an excuse to merely vent. I am hoping to hear some concrete advice on the subject. Thanks.
 
I have personally only purchased one used gun via auction (gunbroker). It was an uncommon (but not really rare) Makarov. I felt that minus the slide and frame, I could replace anything faulty on it. Given the cost of it, the risk was low. I am pleased with the purchase.

I've purchased three used guns (two Makarovs through J&G and a S&W M67 through the forums) sight unseen. I don't think that's much different from auction sites, although with J&G I might have had a return policy in place. I didn't have a bad experience with buying the revolver, but I'm leery about doing it again unless I can at least handle it and use the tips found on this forum for examining it. Other circumstances might change that (prior dealings with the seller, public reputation, extremely detailed/accurate pictures and descriptions, etc)

YMMV, hope this helps.

jmm
 
You may notice that on Gunbroker.com buyers get to rate sellers. I look for sellers with a good track record. Sometimes you will find one with literally hundreds or even thousands of sales, and a high customer rating. These are larger dealers or companies with a reputation to protect. They are pretty safe to buy from.

So far I haven't been disapointed.

I also recommend www.armchairgunshow.com

Prices may be a little high as they cator to collectors, but they are rock-solid folks to deal with. The guns I've received are usually better then the catalog description.
 
It's been my experience that many of the "descriptions" on the auction sites are inflated. Sellers tend to be much more honest and frank right here at the High Road.

I bought my K-22 through the High Road without seeing a single picture of it. The fellow's description was not only detailed, but felt honest. As matters turned out, he under-rated it a bit.

It's always worth your while to contact the seller by telephone. If he sounds flaky in any way, thank him for his time, hang up, and cross him off the list.

There's nothing like a shortage of model 60s, so take your time, be selective and cautious, and trust your hunches.
 
I've bought three revolvers on the online auctions (one on Auction Arms, two on Gunbroker) and I've been completely happy. In fact, since I don't necessarily want to do the leg work of going to every local gunshop, it is one of the first places I'll check. I may hit one or two gunshops before buying (but not always), but if I am looking for something specific I always check the auctions. About the only time I buy a used revolver without checking the auctions is when I'm not looking for something specific, but just a nice used revolver (but even then I'll often check the auctions).

As already said, stick with sellers who have established a reputation, unless you get a great deal and don't mind risking losing that money. In addition to checking the overall rating I will usually read through a page or two of the actual ratings in order to see if there are any patterns I want to know about.

The only drawback is having to wait for the gun to get to your gunshop.
 
My revolver came from Gunbroker. The seller had a few models of the same gun and I used the buy it now price (to get free shipping) to purchase. The gun was cosmetically good but arrived with defects that required immediate repair and rendered the gun unsafe. The original price was fair, but the gun has been out of service for 3 months and is costing me a fair portion of the purchase price, and my patience, to make right again.

I took the leap of faith, asking all the appropriate questions and relying on a knowledgeable seller to give me the truth. No refunds or exchanges, and I got burned.

That's what I get for trying to get a bargain. I wish I'd spent the extra money at the beginning and paid a premium for a gun in great condition.
 
Lots of experiences with gunbroker.com and auctionarms.com

I've never been burned. Only buy from established sellers. Open up their ratings, and read every one. If someone has a 99-100% A+ customer satisfaction rating, there's probably a reason. And they will want to keep their A+ rating, so they won't rip you off.
Just my experience, YMMV.
-David
 
Auction Arms

I just bought a Colt 357 from Auction Arms. It is in good shape and I feel that I got a good deal. Their policy is a 3 day no fire inspection. If you don't like it you will be out the shipping but you can recoup your money. All above advice applies.
 
I've gotten several rifles and 2 shotguns through Auction Arms and was very satisfied with the purchases. I've never gotten a revolver, and can appreciate your concern, as there are several tests for function you might personally want to do with a revolver that you're interested in. I find its important to ask questions via messages/emails. If the seller is straightfordward and prompt in his replies, he's probably alright. Also read the feedback on any seller, whose merchandise you want to bid on. I only bid on established sellers who have at least 90% positives on their number of feedbacks. One other thing, I only bid on guns where the seller states a specific amt required for shipping in the auction information.
 
Thanks But --- Dammit!!

Thanks to everyone for your responses. Unfortunately the point is now moot. I checked with the California DOJ this morning and was told that the prelock Model 60 is not on the list of guns approved for sale or importation into California. Only Model 60-14 and 60-15 are included. This is most likely because Smith and Wesson has discontinued the older model 60 configuration. As a result they never paid the fee to have it included on the list.

So my options are either find someone locally who wants to sell off a model 60 and do a private party transfer or buy a new one with lock, OR just invest in a Ruger SP101 and never look back.

...or I suppose I could move back to America.

Anyhow, I will keep all your advice in mind should I ever find something on an auction site that I am ALLOWED to import "over the wall". Thanks again.
 
Sorry about what happened. I could never bring myself to live in a place like that. California is foreign to everything that I believe in ... :cuss:

Be that as it may, as an alternative (if you can't find a model 36 that you like) - buy one of the new ones, and alter the lock so it is no longer functional, that is if you object to it that much.

You should be able to find a past thread on this forum with detailed and illustrated instructions. :evil:
 
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