Over 60 transactions on gun broker, one issue I returned the gun. On the other hand 20 years ago I had a very bad experience with Guns America and never dealt through them after that.
Gunbroker.com safe or no?
- Thread starter Wfevans4
- Start date
panamajack310
Member
I have 90 purchases from gunbroker.com. In all the years I have been buying guns on this site I have had only one problem and the guy replaced
The gun for me because it was supposed to be NIB and had scratches all over the gun. Bid with confidence on gunbroker.
The gun for me because it was supposed to be NIB and had scratches all over the gun. Bid with confidence on gunbroker.
I think it depends on what you are looking for. If you are only wanting the nicest, collector grade firearms, I think I'd pass on GB. If you are wanting shooters, and don't mind fixing a possible issue then GB is great. I've bought 20+ firearms off GB over the last 15+ years, only once did I encounter a serious enough issue with a gun that I didn't want to keep it. I contacted the seller with my concerns and we worked out an amicable solution. Don't buy from anyone that doesn't have feedback and the price is too good to be true... it's a scam. I always contact a seller before I bid. How quickly they respond is a big factor in whether I do bid, and how much I'm willing to pay.
44wheelman
Member
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2006
- Messages
- 1,709
- Reaction score
- 1,000
In 25 years, maybe 50-60 transactions. One non paying bidder, two guns took over a month to get, one rifle arrived with the barrel protruding from shipping box, couple of cases of squabbling over condition/issues (nothing major). Somebody tried to claim my near new 1076 was refinished. People always looking to make a claim hoping you send them a discount.
Strangest was I purchased a gun from seller, got gun, left perfect feedback, never received return feedback, uh? Next month went to place bid on another of his their guns, blocked. Contacted seller, I was blocked for being non paying bidder. But you sent me gun, can I take picture of it, send you copy of usps mo?….nope. Best guess was he reported me as non paying bidder to get his listing fees back?
Strangest was I purchased a gun from seller, got gun, left perfect feedback, never received return feedback, uh? Next month went to place bid on another of his their guns, blocked. Contacted seller, I was blocked for being non paying bidder. But you sent me gun, can I take picture of it, send you copy of usps mo?….nope. Best guess was he reported me as non paying bidder to get his listing fees back?
I still like finding guns the old fashioned way, shows, shops, FTF. Refuse to pay GB and all the associated fees, taxes.
Used them a dozen times or so. Never an issue. I confess I'm not always comfortable with the idea. If I'm spending that much money I like to touch it first. My one pet peeve is sellers still insisting on postal money orders. That's a hard pass.
The two locals I deal with the most are frequent sellers on GB.
The two locals I deal with the most are frequent sellers on GB.
Never had a problem on GB but now that I pay sales tax it has to be a really good deal. For example, $600 might seem good but add 10% sales tax, plus $35 shipping plus 3% credit card fee, plus 1% GB fee and $25 transfer fee, the price is $744 and you are also bidding against folks in states without a sales tax that are paying 10% less.
Revolvers are best purchased when you can do a hands-on inspection first, UNLESS you can sort the usual carry up (timing), barrel clocking, end shake, forcing cone, etc. dramas yourself.
That said, GB has been a good source of used firearms for me over the years. Revolvers included. As noted above, be sure to factor in the added expenses to the base purchase price before you commit to an item.
Gunbroker is still very much like the good old days on eBay 20-25 years ago. There's more opportunity for interaction on Gunbroker.
-A good seller will be quick to communicate, knowledgeable, courteous and friendly.
-Ask any questions up front and be nice to them. (Hint: it's a great way to feel out a seller!)
-Read the terms of sale, not just the item description.
-Look at those photos! A good seller will explicitly show any flaws up front, even to the point that they look worse online than they do in person.
-When you win an item, pay promptly, supply all information, and make sure to get your FFL info to them. Be a good buyer!
-The tax, shipping and transfer fees add up. But, you get that with any online retail purchase.
-The gunbroker 1% fee is a bit of a bummer, but they make up for it with their checkout service. They really are a good company. They help facilitate buying and selling but don't try to crush your spirit like you get on eBay.
-I discovered that if you find a buyer that accepts credit cards, charges no fees, and uses the checkout, you can get a purchased item in a short as two days!!
Around here, you can just about forget the idea of finding rare or vintage revolvers of any quality. Cheapo imports and boring plastic has taken over. Driving around looking for hidden bargains is a total waste of time and gas.
I have found stuff on Gunbroker I'd never find anywhere in SC if I looked for two lifetimes.
Gunbroker is a savior in that respect.
My other favorite venue is the classified section right here on the S&W Forum!
-A good seller will be quick to communicate, knowledgeable, courteous and friendly.
-Ask any questions up front and be nice to them. (Hint: it's a great way to feel out a seller!)
-Read the terms of sale, not just the item description.
-Look at those photos! A good seller will explicitly show any flaws up front, even to the point that they look worse online than they do in person.
-When you win an item, pay promptly, supply all information, and make sure to get your FFL info to them. Be a good buyer!
-The tax, shipping and transfer fees add up. But, you get that with any online retail purchase.
-The gunbroker 1% fee is a bit of a bummer, but they make up for it with their checkout service. They really are a good company. They help facilitate buying and selling but don't try to crush your spirit like you get on eBay.
-I discovered that if you find a buyer that accepts credit cards, charges no fees, and uses the checkout, you can get a purchased item in a short as two days!!
Around here, you can just about forget the idea of finding rare or vintage revolvers of any quality. Cheapo imports and boring plastic has taken over. Driving around looking for hidden bargains is a total waste of time and gas.
I have found stuff on Gunbroker I'd never find anywhere in SC if I looked for two lifetimes.
Gunbroker is a savior in that respect.
My other favorite venue is the classified section right here on the S&W Forum!
I have had nothing but good buying and selling on GB and this site so far.
My good luck maybe...
My good luck maybe...
Also, don't just go by the pictures on GB. I saw a 6" Model 25-9 .45 Colt that had a decent price, but the pictures were awful. Here is the best one of the bunch:
The gun would go through it's sales period without anyone hitting the reserve. I was the only one bidding, and my bids were always well short of the reserve. I contacted the seller and got beautiful clear photos. After 4 cycles of me being the only bid, the seller sold it to me at my price, well under the seller's reserve. Here is what showed up at my door (6" barrel upper left):
The gun would go through it's sales period without anyone hitting the reserve. I was the only one bidding, and my bids were always well short of the reserve. I contacted the seller and got beautiful clear photos. After 4 cycles of me being the only bid, the seller sold it to me at my price, well under the seller's reserve. Here is what showed up at my door (6" barrel upper left):
stanmerrell
Member
I echo the comments here on recent changes to GB purchases for tax, fees, shipping, etc. The main reason to use GB is to find hard to find guns. If you have a good local network of dealers or a FTF trading board in your state I'd work that first. If I do make a GB purchase now, i can count on it costing about $100 over the sale price, which leaves me thinking a local deal is most times better.
I can sort out my any function problems on my own, Montana has no sales tax, I did a bunch of welding and stuff for my FFL so no fees there. Have never had a problem with a Gun Broker purchase.
But, I don't use them any more, because they are a good part of the reason I have way more guns than I have any excuse for
But, I don't use them any more, because they are a good part of the reason I have way more guns than I have any excuse for
You live in the free state of Montana, that's all the
I've had good luck with Gunbroker purchases, but as has already been said it's all about the seller.
I'll check feedback first, then I'll reach out to the seller with my questions. If I don't get a response, I don't bid. If it's a gun I'm *really* interested in I'll usually ask the seller for a phone number for an in-hand description.
The vast majority of the guns I buy are C&R eligible, so there is no transfer fee hassle. Sales tax and the "compliance fee" are a bit of a pain, but I view this as a relatively small price to pay for the convenience of shopping from my armchair.
I'll check feedback first, then I'll reach out to the seller with my questions. If I don't get a response, I don't bid. If it's a gun I'm *really* interested in I'll usually ask the seller for a phone number for an in-hand description.
The vast majority of the guns I buy are C&R eligible, so there is no transfer fee hassle. Sales tax and the "compliance fee" are a bit of a pain, but I view this as a relatively small price to pay for the convenience of shopping from my armchair.
bananaman
Member
I bought 1 pistol on G.B. that was disappointing. Auto Ordnance 1911. { my 1st 1911} Ran terrible, but with time & springs it ran OK.Sold it.
Bad pictures can be confusing. Went as far as contacting seller and was assured that everything was good. Exceeded my expectations.
So, for 1 out of approx. 20 was bad. Rest good. Bob
Bad pictures can be confusing. Went as far as contacting seller and was assured that everything was good. Exceeded my expectations.
So, for 1 out of approx. 20 was bad. Rest good. Bob
maxfam
Member
As stated "Buyer Beware", I've had one problem with a seller on GB, and Gunbroker was nowhere to be found. I emailed them multiple times, never received anything back from them and finally gave up trying.
shil
Member
Nope. Too risky for my taste. Read the inspection and return policy of the seller carefully. Beware of those who will not allow returns if the gun is disassembled. You bought, say, a Browning Hi-power. You discover it has a cracked or broken barrel cam, a mortal defect. Seller refuses to take the gun back because you had to have disassembled the gun to to find the flaw. I'll admit that at my age, trust comes hard.
85+ transactions and no issues other than when I shipped a Colt 1911 from my FFL to a Las Vegas FFL. Package was pilfered by USPS postal employee. Even with insurance, took app. 6 mos to get USPS to make payment. This could have happened on any auction site but Gunbroker refused to get involved on the claim and totally ignored my correspondence. The USPS kept placing hurdles and GB would not help at all. One call to Lindsay Graham and matter was resolved and insurance check arrived. Study the pics...and deal with sellers with great feedback!
Model19man
Member
I have had good luck with GB and GI - both have been fine. I have sold some things on GB and it seems OK. You have to carefully read the descriptions and there are of course unscrupulous folks on GB - like anywhere on earth.
I've had good luck......
...on Gunbroker. But I try to stick with A+ sellers with a lot of sales.
...on Gunbroker. But I try to stick with A+ sellers with a lot of sales.
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2007
- Messages
- 27,669
- Reaction score
- 21,363
Based on a few recent transactions, and depending on sales tax rates and shipping costs, factor in a 15% "buyer's premium" above the winning bid. Of course, this means the more expensive the item the bigger the extra hit.
Makes the good online deal cost about the same as buying in a gun shop.
ColumbusJBR
Member
All good advice so far. I've also had good experiences. I'll add that there are deals to be found on items when the seller doesn't accept CC payment or has little feedback, as that turns away a lot of bidders. But of course, there's some risk.
Earlier this year I found a 66-3 snubbie on there with awful photos, zero seller feedback, and only accepted USPS MO. BUT I was able to get it for ~$550 all-in so I took a chance. Downside to that story is the seller didn't know squat about shipping guns, sent zero updates, and just tossed it loose in a Frankenstein'd Amazon box and mailed it to my FFL w/ zero paperwork, tracking info, etc…. I had to beg the non-responsive seller to send ANY documentation so my FFL could transfer before they had to let the ATF take it. It was a sweat to say the least.
I had fun with it and later flipped it for a $200 profit, but I was THIS close to getting burned. So, be aware of the risks on suspect listings. Also of note: he advertised it as a 66-2 even though it turned out to be a -3. I was miffed but wasn't about to try to return it given his track record. Oh well.
Earlier this year I found a 66-3 snubbie on there with awful photos, zero seller feedback, and only accepted USPS MO. BUT I was able to get it for ~$550 all-in so I took a chance. Downside to that story is the seller didn't know squat about shipping guns, sent zero updates, and just tossed it loose in a Frankenstein'd Amazon box and mailed it to my FFL w/ zero paperwork, tracking info, etc…. I had to beg the non-responsive seller to send ANY documentation so my FFL could transfer before they had to let the ATF take it. It was a sweat to say the least.
I had fun with it and later flipped it for a $200 profit, but I was THIS close to getting burned. So, be aware of the risks on suspect listings. Also of note: he advertised it as a 66-2 even though it turned out to be a -3. I was miffed but wasn't about to try to return it given his track record. Oh well.
Attachments
i've had reasonable good luck with gunbroker. the only issue I had was with a model 15-4. the seller claimed it was in excellent working order and in excellent condition. Pictures were a tad fuzzy but I believed seller plus he had 100s of sales. When i received it, inspection showed GENEROUS END SHAKE, Timing issues and hammer push off!! Gun had also been reblued and pitting was evident. My ffl was a Dick and charged me $40 for the transfer even though I returned the gun. The seller was cool and paid shipping both ways so I really cant complain. I did however find a new ffl
I have over 500 sales and purchases on GB. Look at the photos, ask questions, look at the sellers feedback- read what people say. Many auctions have the ability too return if your not satisfied. Can you run into a bad seller? of course but do your investigation of the item and seller. Be Safe.
SWFan27
Member
The gun shops that you guys talk about like they grow on trees, sure as heck don't exist in California. GB is one of the few ways we come across and potentially own, most of the dreamy firearms we discuss on the forum. At least that has been our sad reality in recent years.
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2002
- Messages
- 745
- Reaction score
- 1,299
I've had excellent luck with GB, but not everybody has the same (positive) experience with a given company. That's why I hate to make recommendations like this. If in doubt, don't use GB; it would be your bad luck to have a negative experience with it.
This is true. I am fortunate that there are at least 3 within a 20 minute drive from my house.
