Buying on-line

[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.

 

[pomonapete]

no.

I'll throw-in my answer before I read the comments.

the feel is everything. I held a .357 rental revolver at an indoor range that felt like a quart bottle of Brew 102. I've held a 1911 that made 'slab-sided' sound sexy.

as much as you might like to, you can't buy shoes or sunglasses online, either.

I have a Tyler T-Grip on my model 36. nice. didn't even have to get a lawyer to avoid prosecution, HAR HAR. feels outstanding.

feel is everything. that and sights. and cleaning. which is where the quart of Brew 102 comes in.

 

[pomonapete]

I have made 44 online purchases. Most were from GunBroker, some were directly from vendors, and a few were from the CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program). The purchases were a mix of new and used guns.

I inspected all of the guns (except CMP rifles) at the transfer dealer before accepting the transfer. It was a hoot receiving the CMP rifles at my front door and I obviously could not inspect them before acceptance.

One purchase of a gun listed online by a local store was a bit odd. When I went to the store, the gun was priced substantially higher than online. While inspecting the gun, the clerk whispered I could step back, order the gun online at the lower price, and then go to the cashier to pick up my purchase.

...I thought the topic was buying guns unhandled & unseen online. aren't you skewing the topic?

 

[gc70]

...I thought the topic was buying guns unhandled & unseen online. aren't you skewing the topic?

No, but some people seem to conflate online and unseen.

CMP surplus military rifles were my only online purchases that were really unhandled and unseen. Those rifles were purchased based on written CMP grading standards and came directly to my house and I had to accept them from the shippers before opening the boxes. However, I had great confidence in the CMP correcting any issue that I might have encountered with one of their rifles.

Other online purchases were based on photos, so they were not totally "unseen" as some complain. But I absolutely made those purchases before I was able to handle or view the guns in person. After sellers shipped guns to my transfer dealer, I always inspected the guns before signing a 4473 to accept transfer. I would not buy a gun from an online seller who did not provide an inspection period.

People who complain about buying a gun online and "sight unseen" are often unaware that the majority of online transactions do allow inspection after receipt and before transfer is completed.

 

[LVSteve]

I also haven't read all the comments, but when you are at the far end of the supply line and the local gunstore cabal controls the prices, you buy when and by whatever means you can. Yes, I've caught a couple of surplus junkers, but they were bought at very low prices and often I could part them out and recover most of my money.

 

[Scbuckeye]

If you order from a LGS who gets a new firearm from a distributer and you're not happy with it once you get to handle it - sights/trigger/other…. are you committed or can you refuse to take delivery and get your CC $ returned?

 

[sotexas]

I have had zero issues with any purchase from grab a gun

 

[bones001]

Recent experience with purchase of a new 686 led my next search for a used one. Found one on GB. The seller offered a 3 day inspection and got to shoot it at the FFL. Very satisfied. Not a bargain but it came in below LGS asking prices for brand new. I would do it again.

 

[SFury79]

...I thought the topic was buying guns unhandled & unseen online. aren't you skewing the topic?

Not at all. Just because an auction has pictures up that doesn't mean they are pictures of what was sent out. There have been many scammers that have put up fake pictures to con people over the years. This applies to all markets.

As a buyer, you do your best to vet the seller, but it's always a gamble.

My limited purchasing experience on Gun Broker has been positive. I used my experience from having used auction sites for years to help make my purchases more likely to be positive ones by avoiding sketchy looking sellers.

 

[pharmer]

I just bought, for the first time from GrabAGun, a Sig 226 "40th Anniv Ed." Better than I expected, several hundred $$ less than the Legion. Almost 300 rds through it on 2 outings, probably the best auto I own. Joe

 

[ladder13]

Many times.

 

[Beju]

I just bought, for the first time from GrabAGun, a Sig 226 "40th Anniv Ed." Better than I expected, several hundred $$ less than the Legion. Almost 300 rds through it on 2 outings, probably the best auto I own. Joe

That was a pretty wild deal, they probably bought up some inventory that a distributor dumped.

FWIW, I bought a P226 back in 2006, and I got a deal at $700. The going rate back then was $800+.

 

[daveboy]

I've probably bought at least two dozen used guns from Gunbroker. I've always been happy. The trick is to look closely at the photos, ask questions if needed, and check the number of transactions and feedback. Someone who has sold a thousand guns there, is a brick and mortar retail store, and has an A+ rating, is not going to cheat you. However, "Fred" who has sold three guns there, has no feedback, doesn't offer returns, and has three blurry photos....I go right past him regardless of how great the deal might appear to be.

 

[GerSan69]

I'd have to look at my inventory to see how many guns I've bought online, but I know it's a lot. Maybe 50 or 60, pretty evenly mixed between new and used, revolver and semi-auto. I'm very careful, only going with established shops or long-time GB dealers. I pass if any questions I might have are inadequately answered or not answered at all. I've bought new from many of the good online dealers, such as GrabaGun, Classic Firearms, Gunbuyer.com, and Bud's. Either I'm exceptionally lucky or my method of selecting both dealer and gun is good, because I've yet to be disappointed with what I got. Every one has been "as described", with several even better.
I decided to try my method to buy a car. I bought a 2018 Lincoln from Carvana, totally on-line. Even had them deliver it. I never went to their store, not even for the paperwork. Long story short, I love the car and it was a fun thing to try. I don't know if I'll do it again (gettin' old, don't ya know) but I'm happy.

 

[CajunBass]

I've bought several from Buds, with no problems. Never used another dealer, so no idea with them. With a new gun, it's pretty much you see one, you've seen them all. IMHO, anyway.

Edited to add: I just noticed the above. I bought my last car online from Car Max. Well, I picked it out online, had it shipped to a local Car Max, went and checked it out, and did the paperwork there, but I made the decision online really. I did a test drive, but only because they insisted I do it really.

 

[WarDawg]

I can accurately say nearly all of the last 30 firearms I have purchased have been online. Not one problem. Shipped to my FFL …I will say this. I go price it and handle the model I want from a local gun shop. So I do handle the exact model. But normally order online due to specific model I want that shops don't have or priced way to much.
Now a full disclosure is my very last firearm was purchased in my local gun shop. I couldn't find a certain model on line. It a MP 9 2.0 Non optic cut. Some type of compliant version. I hate the optic cut pistols. That's just me.

 

[JwesleyN]

If you order from a LGS who gets a new firearm from a distributer and you're not happy with it once you get to handle it - sights/trigger/other…. are you committed or can you refuse to take delivery and get your CC $ returned?

I believe once you do the transfer the gun is yours and any issues it has you will have to deal with the manufacturer.

 

[Saudade]

If you order from a LGS who gets a new firearm from a distributer and you're not happy with it once you get to handle it - sights/trigger/other…. are you committed or can you refuse to take delivery and get your CC $ returned?

Depends on why. If you change your mind or just don't like it after all, you may be subject to restocking fees and return shipping (check the policy of the vendor BEFORE ordering). If there some kind of damage (beyond something cosmetic), the vendor will likely replace it with similar item if still available. If used or marked Blem, you take your chances based on the photos and description.

Once you complete the 4473, it's all yours.

 

[Scbuckeye]

I believe once you do the transfer the gun is yours and any issues it has you will have to deal with the manufacturer.

The gun is first transferred to the FFL from the distributer, right? Are you referring to the transfer from the FFL to me? I'm assuming before the transfer to me I get to examine the firearm. That's where my question originated - if there were issues with the gun, am I committed to the purchase?

 

[gunsnjeeps]

So far, I'm 3 for 4. I used from Gun Broker, 2 from eGunner, and the disappointment is a G-Force Chronicle. The trigger is extremely long and can't be ground shorter. The hammer/sear weight is heavy and inconsistent. Pretty much what I figured for $300. The short trigger is better and the real trigger job is easy enough when I get around to it. But I've bought on line and will again.

 

[SmokinLoon]

Yeap... no issues here. Dozens and dozens. Not had an issue once in 20+ years of buying online (not ever from gunbroker, only from forums like these). If the photos show what I need to see and the commentary fits the photos I'm fine. Once in awhile things don't match and that will turn me away. I just bought a 629-5 here in these forums and the experience has been good as usual. The people here are typically a cut above those found on other forums. The more focused the group, and certainly a group like this one (S&W revolvers), the quality and validity of person will typically be higher.