Can you trust gunbroker.com?

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I'm considering an M&P Shield 9 and it's been suggested that I avoid the retail stores to get the best pricing. Many say use gunbroker and have it shipped to a local FFL. My question is, can you be sure that when it says NIB, it really is? Do you just have to go by the seller feedback? By the time you pay shipping and FFl fees, do you really save that much?

Any experiences you want to share out there?


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I find that gun broker prices are high. try buds gun shop. ship to your ffl. they have good prices and are great to deal with. no tax to pay unless you live in kentucky.
 
I have bought a number of firearms from GB and never had an issue with the seller. Most are very anxious to maintain their A+ ratings.

That said, everything I've bought is either used or old/new stock. I'm not sure how the #s would work on something new.

BTW, the Shield 9 is just about everything you could ask for in a CCW.
 
I've used GB for several purchases. Just like anywhere else, there are deals to be found. Never had a problem. As for other online deals, there's a place called outdoor sportsman superstore that has great prices, including the shield...no shipping charges or taxes. Just got to do your homework. Good luck.
 
I'm considering an M&P Shield 9 and it's been suggested that I avoid the retail stores to get the best pricing. Many say use gunbroker and have it shipped to a local FFL. My question is, can you be sure that when it says NIB, it really is? Do you just have to go by the seller feedback? By the time you pay shipping and FFl fees, do you really save that much?

Any experiences you want to share out there?


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Gunbroker.com doesn't sell anything, it's an auction site that people buy and sell on. It's like Ebay for guns. Look at the feedback ratings and then decide if you want to take the risk (yes there is risk since you're buying it sight unseen). I've bought guns on GB and had no problem but I accept the potential for problems. I like buying from Bud's as well. Also, the prices on GB are what the sellers are asking, GB doesn't control the pricing.
 
Gunbroker.com doesn't sell anything, it's an auction site that people buy and sell on. It's like Ebay for guns. Look at the feedback ratings and then decide if you want to take the risk (yes there is risk since you're buying it sight unseen). I've bought guns on GB and had no problem but I accept the potential for problems. I like buying from Bud's as well. Also, the prices on GB are what the sellers are asking, GB doesn't control the pricing.


You are absolutely right Bkreutz. Thanks to all for the responses.


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Gunbroker is only as good as the individual sellers. I've transacted several guns on gun broker but I did get burned once with a Savage Model 99 with undisclosed mechanical defects.

Gunbroker isn't the issue, make sure you're satisfied with the individual seller's credentials.

I've also purchased from Bud's Gun Shop. Good transaction and a really good price.
 
You ever ask a question that you wished you'd phrased another way? :-) I actually did know that GB is like an eBay for firearms and that the deals were only as trustworthy as the sellers. I guess what i was really looking for is what you all have kindly provided. And that is a sense that an online purchase can be trusted if you do your research. That having been said, is it y'alls experience that buying from Buds or Outdoor Superstore is NIB from the factory (if advertised as new)?
 
I have had very good luck on both Gunbroker and armslist for used items, Never bought anything new from either site.
 
I've bought plenty of guns on all the auction sites, and have only had a couple of issues, that were eventually resolved to all's satisfaction. That said, I mostly only buy used guns, and when I do buy a new gun, I usually go through one of the big distributors like Bud's, CDNN and the like. There are good deals to be had on the auction sites, you just have to look, and sometimes wait.
 
Like many others have posted, I've only bought used on Gunbroker. All my purchases were fine & I was happy with all of them. For a new pistol, I would go with Bud's. I got my Shield & my AR from them at good prices. The only caveat is you have to be patient. Sometimes it can take them a few days to get a gun shipped, I guess due to the high volume of guns they sell. Other than that I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.
 
I've used GB plenty of times. I always look at feedback and 9 out of 10 times, the seller is an actual retail store in another state. I've never had a single issue buying off there or with any of the guns themselves. They've always come in the condition they state they are in. Photos of the actual firearm is a big plus as well since it could be used against them if they try the old switch-a-roo.

Sometimes it takes patience and searching on GB to get a great deal. I personally won't buy from there unless I can save at least $100 over what the gun is at one of the local shops. I bought quite a bit off there so I definitely found plenty of savings, with one of those purchases being a NIB Shield.
 
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I bought my Shield 9 on Gunbroker.com I got it when prices were very high, but, for me, it was worth it. Just gave my FFL the seller email address and he sent him all the info. No problems at all.
 
I bought a used 40c. Was as described. Wasn't a perfect looking gun but I think I got a good deal. I also used gunbroker to find a company's website that I bought my shield 40 from. Picked her up this morning. The website was cheaper then gunbroker. And shipping was cheaper. The.guy on the.phone said they charged 30 bucks to ship because thays what everyone else charges. Their company website offered free shipping tho. I say just do your homework first. Also forgot to mention there cc fees. 3% on gb, but free again on website!

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I too, have a lot of experience with the sellers on GB. Most are great to deal with, and the feedback section is a valuable tool. However, if I was looking for a new gun, I'd try to buy it from a local gun dealer. If you can strike a deal that you both can live with, you'll have made a friend and maybe help a gun shop stay in business. Just a thought.
 
You ever ask a question that you wished you'd phrased another way? :-) I actually did know that GB is like an eBay for firearms and that the deals were only as trustworthy as the sellers. I guess what i was really looking for is what you all have kindly provided. And that is a sense that an online purchase can be trusted if you do your research. That having been said, is it y'alls experience that buying from Buds or Outdoor Superstore is NIB from the factory (if advertised as new)?

Can't speak to Bud's, but The Outdoor Super Store experience was excellent. Bought my Shield from them. Ordered on Monday and it was at the FFL on Friday, over the Christmas holiday. Fast service, free shipping, lowest price, and the gun was NIB as advertised.
 
I have bought a number of firearms from GB and never had an issue with the seller. Most are very anxious to maintain their A+ ratings.

That said, everything I've bought is either used or old/new stock. I'm not sure how the #s would work on something new.

BTW, the Shield 9 is just about everything you could ask for in a CCW.

This. Although I stick to dealer-types with lots of history/feedback, and who offer 3-day (or similar) return policies.

And the Shield rocks.
 
Thanks, I wondered about the shipping at OSS.


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As a seller+buyer on GB the answer is yes. Look at feedback, check the SKU, make sure it is what you want and also what you receive. I do occasionally purchase used guns from buds, but new prices are too high. As also stated above talk to your local dealer (s) and see what they can do for you. As an example a shield 9mm, sku- 180021 is 400 shipped free, plus your dealers charge + tax, GB has a number below 400 with and without free shipping, so with your dealers charge and tax it is about the same. Locally I can purchase the gun at 391 + tax. My choice would be the local dealer for financial reasons and it is better for my local economy to support a local business. You will require a dealer to do the transfer and I know some dealers are increasing their "transfer" cost to 10% of what you are paying for a new gun from someone else. Makes sense, why should the dealer not make a minimum, since he could have got it for you locally for the same or less. Be Safe,
 

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