Mail Order Bride

I've apparently been pretty fortunate so far, but most of my on-line gun purchases have been to get project material, so cosmetics haven't been so critical... my luckiest break was buying the Model 14-3 to re-barrel and change the cylinder in order to recreate a Model 16-3. The seller honestly and accurately reported wear on the barrel and cylinder! Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. ;)

Froggie
 
The first mail order revolver I bought was from, "Old Town Station". Remember them? I've had very good luck, I buy mostly from this site. I sent one back with no problems returning it.
SWCA 892
 
I've only ordered 2 guns online (28-2 6" and 17-4 6") and was happy with both. For me, it's important to only buy guns online if there are plenty of pictures and description as well as positive feedback from other buyers from that seller.

Lots of pics are needed, you are right. I found on M28 that the forcing cone had been filed. The slant was obvious. Told seller, thine mentioned it or pulled the gun? Nope

Another guy had a pre M28 that he said was first year. I got a ship date, and told him it was second year. Think he declared that? Nope

Most of my guns come from this forum, with only one problem. I sent a guy the money he asked for a gun, in the form of a money order, and he sent the MO back. No harm done, he just did not know when a deal was a deal. Did not report him, not worth it
 
I believe the OP was referring more towards many FFL's glaring lack of knowledge on firearm handling. Examples of what I believe the OP is talking include, but are not limited to FFLs dry firing .22lr revolvers, swinging the cylinder and slamming it shut, and handling old blue finishes with dorito fingers and not wiping them down. In short, being an FFL doesn't mean one is immune to dropping someone else's gun on the concrete floor.

it also does not mean that they know what they are talking about. I called a guy the other day and asked if he had a particular gun. He said no, but he would be glad to order one. I said, they have not been made since 1962. A bit of back peddling there
 
I believe the OP was referring more towards many FFL's glaring lack of knowledge on firearm handling. Examples of what I believe the OP is talking include, but are not limited to FFLs dry firing .22lr revolvers, swinging the cylinder and slamming it shut, and handling old blue finishes with dorito fingers and not wiping them down. In short, being an FFL doesn't mean one is immune to dropping someone else's gun on the concrete floor.



All true.
All also apply to a gun sitting in a case at an lgs or show. You have NO CLUE what has happened to it while in their possession.

For that matter you have no idea how its been handled by anyone previously.

Life is filled with chances.


Your taking one with every firearm purchase new or collectable.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I ordered my "bride" from Bud's. So far, Bud's has not disappointed. My FFL is top shelf quality.

While I can only hope that my "bride" will remain true to its vows, I will not know it until I take actual possession of it.

I am not expecting perfection. A lot of shooters buy factory production guns and expect flawless copies. I am not sure of how realistic that is. My guess is most shooters would be shocked at price increase due to cost of labor were every production gun visually inspected and tiniest of imperfections removed, imperfections that do not impair function and accuracy of handguns. I expect a handgun to function without flaws as intended (fire when I pull its trigger, a necessity were a black bear closing distance on me) with acceptable accuracy.

I get it why why manufacturers market revolvers with harsh trigger pulls. Lawyers exist to steal money others have earned, and cost of producing beautiful trigger pulls might narrow its market due to cost.

My "bride" will be a working gun. I expect it to sustain seasoning due to exposure from pursuit of outdoor activities; e.g., hiking, fishing, salt air of Pacific Coast activities, etc. I take excellent care of my guns, but I use them as intended. If I were to see a 20 year old hunting rifle in pristine condition, my first thought would be its owner has never hunted with it.

Some 30 years ago, my brand new Sako AV with a gorgeous stock was well seasoned after its first Wyoming big game hunt.
 
Any time that I do anything over the internet, I always end up feeling like I was screwed. I am tempted every so often, but so far there is a good enough supply of firearms in Houston. Another tack on the mail order bride - one is as crazy as the next, so it probably really does not matter.
 
I've bought many guns online. Through a few different FFL's till I found my present guy that I have been using for years. Everything had always worked out great. Look through the pictures thoroughly, ask for more if need be. Check out how many deals they have made. I have gotten some great deals. I am sure I will buy mor .
 
I received a set of Altamont rosewood checkered grips. I like the feel of them. My opinion is they'd make any "mail order bride" more beautiful.
 
My only online purchase was a Ruger GP100 357 stainless that need some work on the finish but that's the norm for some Rugers. Now one of my favorites. Good luck with your "mail order bride." She's got to be better than my first bride I sent back after 27 days off wedded bliss.:D
 
Hi stonebuster,

Thank you.

So far, I've been lucky with ordering Internet "brides". I've used Bud's. Every gun I've bought from that outfit has been better than expected.

I'll be CA bureaucrat-cleared to bring home my Model 66-8 this Friday. I'll get a much better assessment of it when I can examine it on my workbench.

I've received a new set of springs for it, an internal lock plug, a Galco Combat Master, and speed loaders. I know I'll use the Combat Master and speed loaders. The cost of the springs was insignificant. The plug will almost assuredly go unused. It's one of those things that's good to have on hand with the hope of never having to use it. I have no knowledge of an internal lock failure or breakage. But then again, I have run into Murphy when I had no indication he was closing in on me. I'd go with even odds of installing lighter springs.
 
I passed on a very nice looking 2" 15-4 a couple of nights ago on GB for $445, because the seller had no feed back and shipping was lest open ended.
I actually set my alarm for 2:30 AM to check just before it ended at 2:35. The bid hadn't moved since 10:00 when I went to bed, but I talked myself out of it. Inexperienced GB users on either end can foul up a transaction.
 
I have bought dozens of guns on line and dozens FTF from dealer or privately. I have never had to return a gun or had a single issue with an on line sale. Good pictures, reputation of seller and read the entire ad is the formula for no anxiety on-line buying.



Same here. It also saves me a lot of time and money for the shooter-grade guns I'm usually interested in. I can find new guns much faster & cheaper than searching LGS' or gun shows.
 
The worst gun I ever purchased at a dealer f to f was a anniversary Remington 1100/12ga shotgun. It jammed while trying to assemble it, back at the store two more jammed. The fourth one worked. I pawned it.
Didn't trust it hunting in bear country. Had 1100/12 ga before should of never sold it.
 
I have purchased a few online. No complaints. Three new and 1 used Smith & Wesson's , two used Remington rifles.
I find it much easier looking at new and used online, don't have to cover a lot of ground to shop multiple sources.
Used can be a bit different but I believe if the seller posts good pictures and is willing to communicate at a level I'm comfortable with I am comfortable buying before touching. Also important to have a Trustworthy FFL to work with.
 
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