Gunbroker.com safe or no?

[AveragEd]

I like Gunbroker. I have bought a lot of Remington Model 700s and S&W revolvers over the years and had just one minor problem. A 686 had been subjected to some amateur internal gunsmithing and wouldn't cycle in double action. The gunsmith and I called the seller and obtained permission to remove the side plate where we found the sear on the hammer was ruined. The gunsmith gave the seller a price to replace the hammer with a used one he had in stock and the seller agreed so it worked out fine.

Another auction was for a 2-1/2" Model 66-4 that the seller described as being in "average" condition. It went without bids for several days so I downloaded the photos and blew them up but I still only saw what looked like a new gun. This was during the period some time back when snubbies were becoming highly sought after so I placed the opening bid of $416 just to get the ball rolling for the seller, fully expecting to be outbid quickly but not so! The auction ended with only my bid, much to my surprise. Given what that gun would bring today, it's probably the best gun buy I ever made.

As others have said, always check the seller's rating with more than a few transactions and make sure he offers an inspection period. Otherwise, I think it's a safe place to do business; you almost can't beat the selection of guns from which to choose.

Ed

 

[sodacan]

I've bought many guns off of GunBroker.com. from sellers with significant feedback. I had only one issue with a guy who gave me some bad information on which I based my bid (and won). When I asked gunbroker to intervene using there "buyer protection" plan, they were totally worthless. Make sure to calculate the fees, taxes, shipping and transfer costs when bidding because they add significantly to the cost. Since I mainly buy older, used and collectible stuff, auction sites are generally the main source used in my searches. If I bought new, I would try to support my local independent gun shops.

 

[flundertaker]

There are fewer and fewer good deals on GB now when you factor in all the fees, tax, shipping, transfer fees, etc. but you can find stuff you will never stumble across locally. The seller is the key. Theres one gun I really want and I found it on GB but the seller is shady as heck, the pics are just blurry enough so I cant really tell the condition and has almost zero feedback. Ive asked for better pics and the seller claims not to have a good camera and to be technology challenged. I keep looking at the posting and and try to convince myself its on the up and up and just cannot pull the trigger even though its the only place I have seen this particular gun. I think the seller is tauting me!!! Its been like a year and he keeps reposting it. If I ever get to where he lives I am going to try to do a FTF so I can be sure its legit.

 

[smithman 10]

Never a problem

Although I haven't bought anything on Gunbroker for quite awhile.

I do use it to compare prices on items that I that I see in local gun shops. And the shipping fees are way too high these days it seems.

 

[Dino44]

I have purchased more than 50 guns on Gunbroker over the past 13 years. All were perfect, except for 2 that come to mind as being sketchy. One dealer was not responding to communications after being paid and was taking so long to ship, that I had to threaten to call their local PD and ATF. The gun shipped 2 days later. One guy tried to get a $100.00 refund by sending me a picture of a badly scratched up, side plate. I sent him my photos of the gun I shipped and never heard from him again. I used to be in a great position where if a gun was purchased at a below market price, I could absorb the cost of shipping and transfer fees and still be ahead. I would receive the guns at an FFL on the military base and not have to pay sales tax. Now a days, with GB fees and sales tax added to shipping and transfer fees, I find it more economical to shop my local gun stores of which there are fortunately, many.

 

[JMD999]

I buy antique revolvers 30+ yrs old, realizing some may need "internal TLC", springs, old lube,etc. But I go into buying old guns with eyes open and expect minor work to restore to "duty status".
If i buy newer I expect more.
Overall GB has been fine, just add 100$ to final price for shipping and transfers, etc.
Just my .02

 

[SWFan27]

This is true. I am fortunate that there are at least 3 within a 20 minute drive from my house.

I have plenty of great local Southern California gun shops close to me and they always have some used firearms for sale. But I have never seen a used no Hilary Hole Model 66, 19, 65 or anything like that in a local gun shop. We have some great local shops, but I need to search GB for the cool old stuff.

 

[target tech]

In 20-25 GB purchases, I’ve only had one sketchy transaction. Recently a private seller that wasn’t aware of how the new system works with the seller getting your FFL and shipping info from GB when you have a preferred dealer. He just dropped off my gun at his FFL that was shipping it for him with no paperwork. I ended up contacting that FFL and had my dealer email his FFL the old fashioned way.
I’ve had two better than I was expecting instances. First my beautiful 3” 13-3 then my 3” 940 showed up with original boxes that weren’t shown or listed. Sometimes nice surprises. And I can’t forget the Smith and Wesson “357” ,with one ****** picture on a dining room chair, I took a chance on with an opening bid of $350.00 and won a 5” 27-2. It wasn’t cherry by any stretch, but I was thrilled to death. As they say, youz payz your nickel youz takes your Chance

 

[boykinlp]

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.

Both of these statements are true. The only reason I buy from Gunbrokers anytime is because I definitely won’t see whatever I buy locally.
Larry