Anyone use Gunbroker?

[CO_Kid]

Hello all,

Im about to have enough money to get a model 19. Problem is, I've never seen one at a local show or shop. I'm thinking about using gunbroker, but am naturally suspicious of using it, since I never have and would be sending money to a stranger.

Any feedback, good or bad?

 

[NYlakesider]

Hello all,

Im about to have enough money to get a model 19. Problem is, I've never seen one at a local show or shop. I'm thinking about using gunbroker, but am naturally suspicious of using it, since I never have and would be sending money to a stranger.

Any feedback, good or bad?

I feel the same you do and for that reason I have only bought two guns on line. I got them right off this forum. Checked out the person selling and made sure they had had been around a while and also checked their post count. That the best due diligence I could think of. And both guns were as described and I’m happy with them.

 

[Comrad]

I have had very good results using Gunbroker. The key for any online auction site is sellers reputation and number of transactions and even better if he's got a brick and mortar store. It's the only way I have been able to find the guns I am interested in buying, NJ doesn't have much local gun shop variety.

 

[Marine Corps Air]

NYlakesider's advice about buying from members of this forum is probably the best way to go. There is also a "Feedback" section which allows you to Search on the member's screen name.

I've probably bought about twenty firearms through Gunbroker and so far, I have not had a problem. From my experience:

1. Find the firearm that you want as early as possible.
2. Check the "Feedback" on the Seller. If there are Negatives alarms start to go off, although they are not always reliable.
3. Contact the Seller ASAP and start asking questions related to the firearm and the sale. Slow, vague responses are Red flags. I use the criteria in the attached file for my questions. Semi-automatics will require different questions.
3. Professional Sellers will generally present a lot of clear pictures from many angles. 1-3 "out of focus" pictures are another Red flag for me.
4. Agree on all of the terms and conditions as soon as possible (FFL, payment method, ship date, etc)
5. Watch the bidding evolve. If it's obvious that there's a "bidding war" underway, look for another firearm.

These are just my opinions. Hopefully, you'll receive more responses from other forum members. We have some top-notch, professionals who are members here.

 

[eyegots2no]

Although I have never done business (yet) with anyone on this forum I would try the WTB here first and support our friends here.

As for buying online---I know many who are skeptical, but I have done it and have seen it done many times---with very few issues. You do not have to be so fearful.

Most people and by far the vast majority are honest and do the best they can to do right. Besides, bad reviews and bad reputation would ruin further sales very quick.

On the ones I have bought, I have phoned and asked a few questions---you get a "feeeeel" for what and who you are dealing with.

I once was involved with doing online sales via GB---I described the guns ---packaged, etc. I would NEVER mislead anyone. The Golden Rule always applies.

I typically understated condition so someone would NOT be disappointed----you know---"under promise and over perform."

Those that put out good pictures that truly backs up statements on condition also show you how much THEY care to get it right.

Hope you find a good Model 19!

 

[Rock185]

I ventured into using Gunbroker several years ago. I'd bought on GB without issue, and finally decided I'd take a chance on trying to sell some stuff, initially books, accessories I'd accumulated but would be unlikely to use, etc. My experience has been good. I do shop carefully,review feedback,etc. before bidding. Those folks who post 1-3 poor photos, as mentioned by BSeabrooke, and expect a buyer to send big money are barking up the wrong tree with me. It's importent to know exactly what you are buying. Some sellers describe the item incorrectly, usually to their advantage. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and say that maybe they just don't know any better. But this does not instill in me any confidence that any transaction with such a seller would go well.Within my humble experience, reputable sellers will post terms clearly, along with detailed, quality photos.

 

[BE Mike]

I've bought a few guns on gunbroker.com. I've bought a couple of used guns there that had problems. One was a S&W Model 14, 4 screw. It came less the hammer block. I ordered one and replaced it. Not a big deal. The latest was a Springfield Armory Trophy Match. Although it appeared to be in good shape, on the first outing, the pistol went full auto. I ended up replacing the hammer, sear and disconnector. There was some significant fitting required, which I was able to do. To the credit of the shop that sold me the pistol, they reimbursed me the cost of the replacement parts. I've had better luck buying from individuals on forums.

 

[rwsmith]

I have had very good results using Gunbroker. The key for any online auction site is sellers reputation and number of transactions and even better if he's got a brick and mortar store. It's the only way I have been able to find the guns I am interested in buying, NJ doesn't have much local gun shop variety.

^^^ What Comrad said... Use the sellers that have the best reputations combined with a lot of sales. There is always some risk but the farther you go from this the riskier it gets. Plus if they have a brick and mortar store you can find them if you need them. I can see buying a 19 online because it is only chance that you'll see one laying around somewhere.

 

[rwsmith]

In the future......

It's just me, and I would never buy on an auction site.

I've bought here ~10 times without a problem. I've bought ~20 times FTF (local in person). I've been very pleased with this.

I really don't need to pay cash for something that I've never seen from a stranger. You guys can be all over it.

In the future, I will surely look here first. I was a forum newby when I bought my last gun on GB. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that there has been SOME shady activity here on the forum, too.

 

[RaceBannon]

I've made twenty five purchases through Gun Broker since 2006. I was disappointed twice. If you want a specific gun and wait to find it locally, it may be a very long wait.

 

[zx9rt1]

I've bought maybe 10 guns using GB over the last couple of years and never had a problem. I can tell you this, if you have any kind of questions at all, ask the seller.

 

[Tom K]

Hello all,

Im about to have enough money to get a model 19. Problem is, I've never seen one at a local show or shop. I'm thinking about using gunbroker, but am naturally suspicious of using it, since I never have and would be sending money to a stranger.

Any feedback, good or bad?

I wonder just how much money you think that is. Looking on Gunbroker, you could potentially pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a well-used shooter, to a couple of thousand for a NIB unfired specimen.

That said, if you've never used GB before I'd say the best advice I can give is, don't be in a hurry. Figure out what kind of Model 19 you want - 2-1/2", 4", 6" - red ramp or patridge target sight - safe queen with box and all the goodies or beater or something in between - nickel or blue - etc. Use the Advanced Search option to narrow down the results. Find several auctions for guns that are the configuration that you want and watch them (without bidding) until they end.

You can also use the Completed Items tab to view auctions that have ended, although only the ones that have actually ended in a sale are useful. This will give you an idea of what guns like you're interested in are going for.

Once you've decided on what you're willing to pay for what you want, then you can start bidding. Like everyone else said, look at the seller's feedback. Always check and see how much shipping is, sometimes it can be significant. Don't bid more than your limit, if the bidding goes over another gun will come along. Like I said, don't be in a a hurry - if you haven't found what you want at the price you want in a couple of months, you might consider raising your bid limit. Or not, you never know when that bargain might come along (usually just after you've already made a buy.)

I've been buying on BG for years and have made some pretty good deals, just by being patient enough to not jump on the first gun I see that meets my criteria. Fortunately you are looking for a gun that is relatively common so there will be lots for sale.

Good luck, and when you get that M-19 post some pictures here and tell us about how it went.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I've only had two revolvers I got on GB with problems.
Both times the seller paid what it cost to repair them.
Must have gotten 6 or 8 I bought on GB.
I have sold several and never had a bad review.
Same here on this site.
But I do check out who the seller is......

 

[CO_Kid]

I wonder just how much money you think that is. Looking on Gunbroker, you could potentially pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a well-used shooter, to a couple of thousand for a NIB unfired specimen.

That said, if you've never used GB before I'd say the best advice I can give is, don't be in a hurry. Figure out what kind of Model 19 you want - 2-1/2", 4", 6" - red ramp or patridge target sight - safe queen with box and all the goodies or beater or something in between - nickel or blue - etc. Use the Advanced Search option to narrow down the results. Find several auctions for guns that are the configuration that you want and watch them (without bidding) until they end.

You can also use the Completed Items tab to view auctions that have ended, although only the ones that have actually ended in a sale are useful. This will give you an idea of what guns like you're interested in are going for.

Once you've decided on what you're willing to pay for what you want, then you can start bidding. Like everyone else said, look at the seller's feedback. Always check and see how much shipping is, sometimes it can be significant. Don't bid more than your limit, if the bidding goes over another gun will come along. Like I said, don't be in a a hurry - if you haven't found what you want at the price you want in a couple of months, you might consider raising your bid limit. Or not, you never know when that bargain might come along (usually just after you've already made a buy.)

I've been buying on BG for years and have made some pretty good deals, just by being patient enough to not jump on the first gun I see that meets my criteria. Fortunately you are looking for a gun that is relatively common so there will be lots for sale.

Good luck, and when you get that M-19 post some pictures here and tell us about how it went.

I should have about a grand, I have to sell two guns, already sold one, the other will be snapped up in a second once I put it out to the police academy recruits for a BUG (M&P compact). I already know the configuration I want, and gunbroker almost always has a couple in good enough condition for me. I don't need a safe queen as it will be carried, but I want it in nice enough condition to show off.

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

I've had great luck on Gunbroker, this forum and other forums. Definitely stay away from Armslist.

 

[wyccad915]

I just used gunbroker for the first time the other day. Bought a cheap 1st shotgun. Getting a money order on my schedule is a little difficult. I am naturally suspicious as well but it looks as if money orders have some protection so that helps a bit.

 

[CO_Kid]

I just used gunbroker for the first time the other day. Bought a cheap 1st shotgun. Getting a money order on my schedule is a little difficult. I am naturally suspicious as well but it looks as if money orders have some protection so that helps a bit.

That is true. I'll definitely go that route to pay if I use the site.

 

[alwslate]

I've bought about 50 guns online between Gunbroker and Auction Arms.
I can only remember sending two of them back, both were just not as
described. For the most part I've been very satisfied with the guns
and the price and there have been several buys that left me shaking my head in amazement that I managed to make such a great buy.
You just have to be patient. Hype works and some sellers grossly hype
their guns and post many pics. There seems to be lots of low feedback
buyers on GB who are anxious to buy and fall for the hype and will
bid prices up to ridiculous levels. Let them fight amongst themselves.
You really need to know what you're doing, what you want, what's a
fair price and be able to evaluate a gun by carefully studying the pics.
Many sellers grossly overcharge for shipping and I just don't bid on
their guns period. Patience is a must. Lots of guns sell for high prices
but for unknown reasons some just don't get much attention and just
fall through the cracks. Be there to catch them when that happens.
There really is no substitute for knowledge and I rarely ask questions
of the sellers about their guns, If something doesn't seem right I
just don't bid. Don't be in a big hurry to spend your hard earned
money.

 

[BearBio]

Never been burned on gunbroker or buying from a forum. Get lots of pictures and, if possible, meet face to face.

 

[chief38]

I have made quite a few purchases on GB and had only one disappointment, but it was from a Rookie PO and it was an honest mistake. He refunded all my money and paid the shipping both ways. He was an LA PO and failed to mention that a Revolver was DAO - as he said he did not know they came any other way. No harm done and he was quite apologetic.

GB is not unlike any other internet source - there are good guys, bad guys, guys who are naive, guys who purposely try to scam and deceive, and everywhere in between. THANKFULLY, MOST ARE GOOD GUYS at least from my 10 year experience with their website.

Internet scamming has become a big business and we should all be aware and take extra precautions when buying on line - guns or other merchandise.