Gunbroker.com safe or no?
- Thread starter Wfevans4
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Like anything you buy, whether on line or in person, the condition and honesty lies with the seller.
I have had okay luck with GB overall. I try to check out the feedback and verify the seller prior to buying/bidding on something.
And most of the sellers offer a couple day return as long as the firearm is not fired. You can also refuse to accept it from the FFL I believe.
I have had okay luck with GB overall. I try to check out the feedback and verify the seller prior to buying/bidding on something.
And most of the sellers offer a couple day return as long as the firearm is not fired. You can also refuse to accept it from the FFL I believe.
jmiles1960
Member
I always look at the Seller's feedback and number of transactions before I make a bid. I have bought several firearms without issue. My biggest complaint with Gunbroker is the 1% fee they take, plus sales tax.
shown50
Member
I don’t have a ton of experience(maybe 10-12 purchases) on Gunbroker over the last couple years. I’ve had both good and bad experiences. Most of the sellers will work to fix issues if they didn’t describe the gun correctly. You have to watch out for the way sellers will write a description, sometimes they make it intentionally vague. If you run across something odd don’t be afraid to ask the seller a question.
Gunbroker does offer a Buyer Protection Program but it requires you to ship the gun to their gunsmith and they will make the determination if you are covered. In the event you can’t get resolution leaving bad feedback is about your only recourse.
You can save yourself some headaches by reviewing the sellers recent feedback, I’ve passed on guns because of bad feedback because my time so worth more than the risk. Others will chime in with more experiences but to me it’s a buyer beware scenario. Don’t let that scare you off though, just be cautious.
Gunbroker does offer a Buyer Protection Program but it requires you to ship the gun to their gunsmith and they will make the determination if you are covered. In the event you can’t get resolution leaving bad feedback is about your only recourse.
You can save yourself some headaches by reviewing the sellers recent feedback, I’ve passed on guns because of bad feedback because my time so worth more than the risk. Others will chime in with more experiences but to me it’s a buyer beware scenario. Don’t let that scare you off though, just be cautious.
Yendor357
Member
I’ve had really good luck with Gunbroker. Over the years, I’ve bought 15+ guns from them. The guns that I’ve bought, they’re always in at least as good of shape as advertised.
There was one time I was a bit disappointed, tho. I bought a 6920 Colt 16” AR. It had the CR prefix serial number instead of the LE. I am a bit of an AR snob. But it has all the correct markings on the carrier, bolt, etc. In that guns defense, it looks great. It was a Law Enforcement trade in. It shoots great.
The fees are starting to add up in GB. Taxes 7%, credit card fee 3%, $40 shipping, $40 transfer at gunshop. So nowadays, it has to be a real bargain for me to buy.
If I want something badly enough like a really nice old SP-1, I’ll pay. The local gun shops around here are frequented by scalpers. No sense going to a gunshop around here.
There was one time I was a bit disappointed, tho. I bought a 6920 Colt 16” AR. It had the CR prefix serial number instead of the LE. I am a bit of an AR snob. But it has all the correct markings on the carrier, bolt, etc. In that guns defense, it looks great. It was a Law Enforcement trade in. It shoots great.
The fees are starting to add up in GB. Taxes 7%, credit card fee 3%, $40 shipping, $40 transfer at gunshop. So nowadays, it has to be a real bargain for me to buy.
If I want something badly enough like a really nice old SP-1, I’ll pay. The local gun shops around here are frequented by scalpers. No sense going to a gunshop around here.
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Good information above. I would also add ask more questions or for more images when in doubt. The seller’s response or lack thereof may be a clue. Even the busy successful sellers will usually respond which is probably how they got there.
just plain joe
Member
I always look to see if the seller offers an inspection/return period. I got burned once when I first purchased a Model 10-8. I had it repaired on my own dime.
I also look to see if the seller has favorable feedback.
This works for me. YMMV.
JPJ
I also look to see if the seller has favorable feedback.
This works for me. YMMV.
JPJ
Used to be the fees were lower and no sales tax. That’s changed!
I’ve bought maybe a dozen or so, and had two issues. One was a 317 that was chewing up the front of the cylinder on the forcing cone. Seller took it back but claimed there was no problem - even with metal shavings coming off. (They relisted it!)
Second was an off-brand sold “as-is” but claimed fine. It has a DA problem but I like it enough I decided to just fix it myself rather than spend the time to find another.
So, read carefully, study the pictures, ask questions, and check sellers feedback. I think the wider availability of specific wants is worth it.
I’ve bought maybe a dozen or so, and had two issues. One was a 317 that was chewing up the front of the cylinder on the forcing cone. Seller took it back but claimed there was no problem - even with metal shavings coming off. (They relisted it!)
Second was an off-brand sold “as-is” but claimed fine. It has a DA problem but I like it enough I decided to just fix it myself rather than spend the time to find another.
So, read carefully, study the pictures, ask questions, and check sellers feedback. I think the wider availability of specific wants is worth it.
There’s some good deals to be had on GB but you have to weed through the garbage.
Check feedback first, avoid those that include lube with their shipping price.
I try to find no credit card fee and free shipping sellers but that’s not always easy.
Check feedback first, avoid those that include lube with their shipping price.
I try to find no credit card fee and free shipping sellers but that’s not always easy.
Wfevans4, I have never had a problem with a gun I bought off the Smith and Wesson forum for sale section
DR505
US Veteran
I've actually had better luck on GB than here on the S&W boards. Once here I bought a 4" 629-4 that came with an undisclosed push-off issue. Never had that problem on GB.
Alton
Member
I have bought several, great purchases every time. My best was from Reeds, I was looking for the perfect stock on a Browning 725 Sporting O/U.
Found it on GB at Reeds. With most LGS when they bring it to you sight unseen and you wish it had a better stock you can't ask to see two or three others. On GB most dealers put plenty of pictures. I also purchased my 29-3 with a 10 5/8" barrel from GB.
Found it on GB at Reeds. With most LGS when they bring it to you sight unseen and you wish it had a better stock you can't ask to see two or three others. On GB most dealers put plenty of pictures. I also purchased my 29-3 with a 10 5/8" barrel from GB.
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I have had good luck so far. I have managed to buy a couple "like new" handguns recently. I check feedback, number of transactions, inspection & return policy, and I have a 22" computer monitor that will show a guns condition very nicely.
Just remember that Gunbroker is just the vehicle that is used to advertise and sell for dealers and individuals. They rarely get involved in individual deals unless a scammer is involved. Sure, they make a profit off listing and selling, and have a contract company to collect tax and forward to the states. Nobody buys anything “from” Gunbroker, they just buy “off” Gunbroker.
UNCLE PAULY
Member
As stated above, the individual seller is responsible for representing the condition of their firearm. I have copied pictures and enhanced them and zoomed in to see blemishes in pictures. Then sent multiple questions asking exactly about rust, pitting , scratches ect…
Buyer beware. That said, I have bought many used firearms from GB without issue.
Buyer beware. That said, I have bought many used firearms from GB without issue.
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I've bought 4 handguns on gunbroker.com. Never a problem and all descriptions were right on or better than I expected.
On the other hand, I've bought some parts that weren't what they were supposed to be.
On the other hand, I've bought some parts that weren't what they were supposed to be.
jimmyj
Member
I normally purchase from the Forum Classified Ads as I like older firearms. I have purchased over the years from Gun Brokers. Only had one bad experence. I purchased a sportified 7mm Mauser advertised as a really nice bore. On receiving it I fired three rounds for grouping and all three round struck three difference areas of the target (25 yards on a B-27 target) taking a real exam of the bore found the bore to be shot out and pitted (seller had oiled it to cover up pitted and wear). I contacted the seller and he advised that he would not do anything as I had shot it.
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SGT ROCK 11B
Member
At my age I really do not need any other firearm that bad. I prefer looking at the local Gun Shop.
The younger Veterans at my American Legion Post really like that website. Also I see others here apparently had good luck there too.
I have bought quite a few guns off GunBroker and have not been disappointment on any and on a couple I have been surprised by how much better the gun was than I had hoped. My 27-2 and my 16-4 were in exceptional condition.
I have also been pleased with every deal I have made from the for sale section here.
Decent revolvers are few and far between around here. I prowl pawn shops and gun dealers all over the state while driving the wife around for her work
I have also been pleased with every deal I have made from the for sale section here.
Decent revolvers are few and far between around here. I prowl pawn shops and gun dealers all over the state while driving the wife around for her work
