Seriously, safe to buy online?

[tednacious]

I recently got into tactical and have been shopping around online. I've concluded that Cypress Armory and Bud's consistently have the best prices. I've got a friend who's paranoid about buying guns online, but both have really great reviews, even in their brick-and-mortar stores. I don't have a problem with buying accessories online, but for y'all who have been doing this a long time, is there anything you need to watch out for when you buy an AR online?

 

[TennJed]

Not really anything to be on the lookout or paranoid about. Just be aware that you have to have it ship to a local gun store or ffl. The price you see does not include their fees. I would first determine what local gun shop you want to use and call them before and see what it would cost you.

As far as safety goes no different than buying accessories or other goods online. You are not pu on some govt list or anything you are just buying a good that needs to be shipped to a 3rd party

 

[Dueling1911s]

i've bought 3 guns from bud's without a hitch

 

[T Bran]

When I bought my last rifle which is the first rifle ive bought on line it was from Buds. When you do the order form it will give you a list of their prefered FFL's in your area and what they commonly charge for the transfer. I chose a shop near where I work and voila one mint rifle. They were quick and the price was rite I would do it again anytime and hopefully soon too.
Luck
T

 

[SSN Vet]

Like a good barber, a good plumber and a good electrician....

a good FFL is nice to have in your address book

 

[robinkevin]

I highly recommend Bud's I deal with them at their store rather then only since its only an hour drive and I save $20 on FFL transfer. However they always seem to have the best price for new guns and gear. They are just good business to work with.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

I've bought several from Buds this year, great service, great price. for me in Texas, no tax, free shipping to my FFL. and they beat everybody elses price.

 

[beatledog7]

Have bought from Buds, two guns at the same time even, with no issues. Have bought from a number of others, both stores and individuals, via Gunbroker. No problems.

 

[medalguy]

Bud's is good. The only thing I can suggest to be careful of is to be sure you know what you're ordering. With AR platforms, there are lots and lots of options. Bud's usually has stuff drop-shipped from the manufacturer or distributor so there's usually no returns, or if there are, they tend to be difficult I would imagine. Do your homework first before ordering.

 

[macadore]

I have bought numerous guns on-line without any problems.

 

[skoro]

I've purchased both handguns and long guns from Bud's and gotten very good service each time. I've also purchased arms from auctions on Gunbroker and Auction Arms w/o any problems. On the auction sites, I only deal with sellers who have a considerable amount of feedback, all of it positive.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Just be aware that you have to have it ship to a local gun store or ffl. The price you see does not include their fees. I would first determine what local gun shop you want to use and call them before and see what it would cost you.

This, IMO, is a bigger question than the reputation of already well-known vendors, especially something the local shop might have in stock or can order. It could very well offset your savings.

 

[BADUNAME37]

Not an AR, but I suddenly started seeing small charges on my debit card which the bank caught and held payment after I spent a little bit of money at C - * - *. I will never do business there again.

Your mileage may vary considerably.

 

[Kidslash]

Bud's is a good shop to buy from if they really have what you want in stock. I have done many internet sales with shops and private sellers and 99% of the time have a great experience.

 

[oneounceload]

While Bud's has decent prices, MY LGS will beat Bud's on the same guns AND have it delivered in three days or less, compared to weeks with Bud's

You might ask your local shop what they can do first

 

[mgmorden]

I've bought several from Buds. Nary a hitch. All were to my FFL within about a week. He charges $15 to do a transfer which is pretty light. He's just a transfer shop though (well, he does some training and Duracoat work as well, but he doesn't sell guns), so he's more than happy to do them as they don't take business from him - transfers ARE his business (heck he'll advertise when Buds puts guns on sale since he wants the transfers ).

Compared to the nearest actual gun shop that typically is about 20-25% higher on everything compared to what I can get online, buying online is the obvious choice.

 

[Psa1m144]

I've bought several guns online with no issues at all. Check google for reviews to be sure that who you are dealing with is legit, then buy with confidence.

 

[Leathermarshmallow]

Over the weekend, I was in KY and got to visit Buds Gun Store. It is a very large facility that was filled to the brim with customers and clerks. LOTS of firearms. A nice indoor range. Good prices and what appears to be a knowledgeable staff. I would do business with them with no hesitation.

 

[nyrifleman]

Bud's is good. I've bought several guns from them.
I can also vouch for Midwest Hunter's Outlet -- I went with them for a couple of firearms because they had, surprisingly, better prices than Bud's. I consider that surprising because of how low Bud's prices already are.
Also wouldn't hesitate to purchase from Impact Guns. If I remember correctly, they had a pretty good selection of ARs.

 

[Sav .250]

Buyer beware.........

 

[Maple_City_Woodsman]

The worst thing you can possibly do is listen to your 'gun buddies' regarding your purchases.

Have fun shooting with them, but for the love of all things holy do your own research and make your own decisions.

If you let your paranoid goof gun buddies talk you out of buying online, then you are missing out both on greater selection AND lower prices.

 

[DAdams]

I have made purchases on line 5 with Bud's and two with other vendors no problems (knock on wood). I check and verify. Like any transaction, read the fine print. Regarding shipping, pay the extra for the insurance.

I have also done business with my LGS on both new and used. I do what makes sense.

With a 9% sales tax though in TN plus higher LGS prices it's easy to save over $100 on a transaction.