Buying on-line

[SASFixer]

Buying on line usually has an inspection period (Gun Broker, Guns America). The seller may include statements like "no returns", but they don't count. I have bought several handguns online from Gun Broker, all have met my expectations. Contacting the seller is always possible, additional photos is another avenue of reassurance. Buying an antique 19th Century firearm is sometime a crap shoot, the price is usually an indicator of condition. As I type this I am in the process of relining a 25-35 barrel that turned out to be a rusty water pipe.

 

[Valmet]

I’ve purchased several over the years, usually on GB. If it’s something collectible or pricey I’m mindful of pics and return policy.

 

[PRM1]

Anyone ever buy a handgun without having handled it? I just came from my range where some of the guys were divided on the topic. Personally, I couldn't do it.

Could you?

Most of the guns I've bought in over a decade have been off of Gun Broker. Just check the seller's feedback. If they are a business and most are, and have great reviews, your pretty safe. Some will even give you an inspection period. Ask questions, study the photos... I've found and bought some guns that I would never have found otherwise. And, at exceptional prices.

 

[jertex]

Yep, never had a problem. 3 of my S&W revolvers (among other brands) were purchased online, on forums, two on this forum, from members with solid track records. They were great buys at great prices, and in great condition. All have increased significantly in value.

 

[GUNSAFETY4U]

I buy 75% of my handguns without handling them. Good pics and questions suffice. As a retired NYS gunsmith and Armorer from the '80s, I can see what I need to and fix anything that might come up. Never had a significant issue since the '80s buying remote (polaroids) or on-line (through FFLs ) today.

 

[gdogs]

I've bought dozens of guns online, through GB, and various online stores. I've experienced exactly two issues that were negative. I had a rifle get shipped back and forth across the US multiple times due to the seller's poor packaging and shipping. It eventually made it to me, and I was happy with the purchase. The second was a Ruger Single Six that arrived with a serious push off problem. I ended up having to replace the hammer and trigger. Even after doing so, I didn't have that much money in the gun and was satisfied with the purchase. I just recently ordered a Bergara BMR from guns.com. It's my first time purchasing from them, but I'm not expecting any issues. Being a new firearm, I'll check it thoroughly but one of the reasons I bought it new was in case there was an issue I could rely on Bergara's excellent reputation for resolving issues. That said, I went to Scheels before ordering to hold all of the BMR options so I could decide which one I wanted.

 

[budhall]

Anyone ever buy a handgun without having handled it? I just came from my range where some of the guys were divided on the topic. Personally, I couldn't do it.

Could you?

Yes, many dozens purchased through the G....B....com(not sure I'm allowed to say the name) online site, and have had great results. I do check the photos closely and also the sellers ratings. I've also bought through a local online auction house(bid online, then pickup at their office) with similar results. In fact I seldom purchase at the stores any more.

 

[JwesleyN]

Anyone ever buy a handgun without having handled it? I just came from my range where some of the guys were divided on the topic. Personally, I couldn't do it.

Could you?

I have had better luck on used guns than new. The last new handgun I ordered online had to go back to the company and it took 13 weeks to correct a QC check that takes about 5 seconds. Don’t think I’ll ever buy a new one sight unseen again.

 

[65-2x2]

I have bought many guns, online and as recently as last month. I buy from trusted sources and have never been disappointed with what I received. Good sellers, smart sellers, do not overrate their pieces, in fact most of what I have bought has been, in my opinion, better than described. Of course there is always some risk involved and I may be burned tomorrow. That is life.

 

[javbike]

Yes I got my Springfield 1911 mil spec on line and my model 10 also

 

[Jim Turner]

Anyone ever buy a handgun without having handled it? I just came from my range where some of the guys were divided on the topic. Personally, I couldn't do it.

Could you?

NO! Because the Bodyguard 2.0 was so popular, I lost count of the gun stores I checked before I was finally able to purchase it. It took over 6 months but I had to have it in my hands to be sure.

 

[Denverd0n]

Have bought new guns online in the past. Never used.

 

[Lima_Delta54321]

I never had an issue buying on line through a popular auction site GB...5 purchased in the last 3 years, both new and used.
Certainly gives you the opportunity for seeing a larger inventory/price comparison across the board.
If you have a reservation then only buy where there is a return policy after inspection.

 

[Lt.Donn]

Anyone ever buy a handgun without having handled it? I just came from my range where some of the guys were divided on the topic. Personally, I couldn't do it.

Could you?

Yes, I have purchased 2 used G-19's on line ..both were absolute winners, BUT buying a Glock unless it was dragged along the road, is likely a safer bet than a finely tuned 1911 etc

 

[jjfitch]

Anyone ever buy a handgun without having handled it? I just came from my range where some of the guys were divided on the topic. Personally, I couldn't do it.

Could you?

Yes, several! All were as described and fairly priced. However I did have one stolen while in transit at the UPS regional center in Louisville, KY. Turns out there was a criminal enterprise working there and switching labels to an accomplice. Since I wasnt the shipper UPS wouldn't talk to me. The FFL replaced the Springfield Armory 1911 special edition firearm NM serial number. Made in the US. The replacement was an Embel sub standard edition. The barrel was so poorly fit I couldn't fix it and sold it to someone "who just had to have it"!
I also bought a PC 1911, ser# JMB 000xxx from a member here, seamless!

 

[bigggbbruce]

I have a GB account, I represent items for sale exactly as they are. Pictures and descriptions. Hundreds sold with 100% positive feedback.

 

[Grog Wurst]

Anyone ever buy a handgun without having handled it? I just came from my range where some of the guys were divided on the topic. Personally, I couldn't do it.

Could you?

I actually have…. But it was price and availability…. I wanted a Model 41 to shoot bullseye and found one on GB, made the deal for a reasonable price and am happy…. Was interested in a Model 629 Mountain Gun. Sure didn’t need it, but…. Good price.. it arrived and seemed in great shape.. had replacement stocks that looked beautiful…. At the time I didn’t have the dies, brass or bullets to reload for the 44 so I grabbed a box ($$$$) at the local GS.. took it out to shoot and had not noticed that the stocks did not quite fit the back strap and had a sharp edge exposed…. At least being stainless, the blood didn’t screw up a beautiful blued finish.. continued with the remaining 5 rounds and cleaned it up…. Ordered a nice set of Hogue grips and a glove for when I shoot full house loads…. Now it’s a fun gun to shoot.

 

[dajogejr]

I’ve purchased two online. One from Palmetto, one from a private FFL.
Palmetto was for a sale on a pistol that nobody around me could touch.
The one from private FFL was recent. Nobody around me could get the new metal series V from S&W.
I found him on another forum, he sold it at dealer cost + 35 shipping, it was new in box.
It was painless.
I’ve since sold it privately to a friend.. but if the circumstances warranted, I’d buy online again.
For a new unregistered pistol, you have the manufacturer to fall back on.
For a used pistol, as long as you have clear communication, note any issues/concerns (nicks, scratches, etc.)…then your risk is similar in scope to buying a used car.

Just my opinion and experience.

 

[Bozz10mm]

I have no problem buying online from reputable outlets and have not been disappointed since I started doing so in 2013. Now if I were a collector, or looking for a specific used firearm, that would be a different story. I would want to see it in person and have a little hands on time with it.

 

[Automag]

I did a private buy on GunsAmerica through a guy I worked with who had his FFL. The seller was great, the gun was NIB as advertised and I finally had the gun I’d waited 40 years to buy. It even came with the wrench, oil bottle, manual and case (minus the corrosive original foam). I had not seen one locally for sale for years in that condition. Online was the only avenue to have any access…finding the right gun locally was too hit and miss. So, for unusual stuff, online may be your only chance to find one.