Best (On-line) Places for C&R Guns??

Redcoat3340 · Dec 8, 2021

Doing a bit of research for a pal who is thinking of getting their 03FFL C&R. (I let mine lapse a year or so ago as I no longer am buying much, especially not milsurps, and most of my S&W purchases, which is most all I've been buying recently don't qualify.)

So he's asked me the best websites/dealers to "shop" for C&R guns. The big auction site for sure. Simpson's, a mite pricey but solid value. And the rest I really can't say any more as I haven't been keeping track of them.

Any suggestions? (And I know the "bargains" we all scored back in the day have mostly gone poof!, but there are still good deals if one shops judiciously.)

LVSteve · Dec 8, 2021

Unless you deep pockets, stay away from Simpsons, Rock Island Auctions, Poulins Auctions and Morphy's Auctions. To get to any sensible deals takes a lot of grubbing around on the various online auction platforms. There's no quick fix.

alwslate · Dec 9, 2021

Lots of C&R guns listed on Gunbroker. It's buyer beware unless you know what you're doing. The sellers these days seem to think if their gun is C&R eligible and listed as such it's worth more than the same model listed in the regular listings. It's a "collector's item" with more potential buyers and listing prices are ridiculous.

dsf · Dec 9, 2021

GB has their C&R section. Pretty easy to navigate.

I agree re RIA. Unfortunately in order to win a bid you have to put up a good price, adding on the hammer drop, insurance, shipping and handling - add another $175.00 or much more depending on the gun.

I've done OK with Simpsons. Although they can be a bit proud of their stuff.

Heinz · Dec 9, 2021

I have not had a problem with Simpson prices. Their shipping is $45, a shipment, not a gun. Their prices may be about 10% higher but the gun will be exactly as described and they go over the condition with you on the phone before they sell it to you. I would note their prices are lower than what most of the "for sale" guns on this forum are. Also they are long time Luger dealers so well up on fakery and boosting.
I would not buy from RIA
Checkpoint Charlies has some better prices. Handgunsoftheworld has good C&R stuff but they know it

H Richard · Dec 9, 2021

Get into Proxibid. They are the entrance to many local gun auctions every week. There is a learning curve, and some do a very poor job with pictures and descriptions, but you will soon learn which ones do a good job. They all charge from 7% to 20% auction buyers premium, plus shipping. You need t keep this in mind and incorporate into your bidding.

Also watch for local area gun auctions. They were becoming very popular before Covid, and now most dealers are doing on-line only.

diyj98 · Dec 9, 2021

LVSteve said:
Unless you deep pockets, stay away from Simpsons, Rock Island Auctions, Poulins Auctions and Morphy's Auctions. To get to any sensible deals takes a lot of grubbing around on the various online auction platforms. There's no quick fix.

I've found Simpsons over priced on common items for sure. If he's just starting out, I'd get a copy of his license to Century Arms and all the other importer/dealers I could find. I'd save the boutique dealers for specialty items that are harder to find. One small C&R dealer I won't mention was famous or listing anything pitted as "appears to have blood pitting", but he has an active customer base that tends to accept anything he says as the gospel.

Best (On-line) Places for C&R Guns??

Redcoat3340

LVSteve

Member

alwslate

dsf

Member

Heinz

H Richard

US Veteran

diyj98

Member

Similar threads

Latest posts