an OK for Armslist - with caveats!
I have not been scammed by Armslist so I'll probably get raked over for this post and I truly am sorry to ever hear about anyone getting scammed by anybody, anywhere. Work with local LEO and the USPS and hopefully you'll get recovery AND put the scumbag out of business (preferably in jail).
I have both bought, and sold several times via ArmsList, and yes, it is preferable for FTF in your State, but I have had offers from out of state for my Python, Colt OMM's, 41 byf Black Widow Luger, and others.
Several tips come to my mind that have been helpful: If you are buying....ALWAYS check the sellers registration date...IF not registered, or recently then RULE 1: RUN...DON'T WALK. Next is ALWAYS e-mail for recent (date mode enabled) photos of something obscure (like s/n under the barrel, frame with grips off, etc.) sometimes you won't even get a reply (see Rule 1). Send a couple follow up e-mails and watch the address of the reply. If phone numbers (for texting) are noted, or cell phones, watch out, or at least be wary. If ANY laws (you know yours, and honorable sellers know theirs...in any state) appear to be "skirted" or being given the impression of "OK" to bypass (1986 Model 29 listed as "C&R ok", etc. also be wary.
If you are selling on Armslist then still demand paperwork of some sort, just to protect your own #$$ if the buyer is not legal, or shouldn't even have it. You know the FFL rules when you buy a handgun, or even long guns in some states. I use a BATF approved Bill of Sale (see attachment) whereby both buyer and seller are: fully identified, gun is fully identified, buyer and seller understand there is no warranty and sign for same, etc. I have has potential buyers say "I don't like paperwork using my personal information" My reply, including face-to-face where I have the same BoS in play is "then don't waste my time or yours because it is a no-sale". I am not that desperate for a sale, and I haven't found anything that I have to have that bad.
Once you have some info if you are not doing a face to face is to check out the buyers FFL....look for a real address, not a p.o. box. Google it, or call to verify creds and make sure they will accept and process the sale (maybe they know something in their state about the buyer that you don't).
Anyway.........even with all of the above I find Armslist not much different than any other stranger to stranger dealing..scam artists will occasionally get over on us honest people, but I don't think they should give every venue a totally bad name.
Even if FTF you can always ask up front about price, terms of payment, return options if misrepresented and judge what you want to do from the replies of the seller.
