Why I avoid gun auction sites online

[Joe Boleo]

Through a series of good fortune events, I came into a bit of extra cash. I went to a local gun shop to look around. After a long time scanning the used gun racks, I came across a mint condition used Colt Mark IV Series 80 in .45 ACP. I field stripped the pistol and it is in 100 percent condition. The hang tag said $600 and the shop has a policy of discounting used guns after 30 days in the shop. This pistol qualified for some haggle room and we settled on $500 and the gun is now on layaway.

I just went to the three prominent online auction sites for a price check on Colt Mark IV Series 80 handguns. The bid prices ranged from around $700 to over $1,250. I could not believe the numbers, but they are accurate. That is why I avoid gun auction sites on line. Looks like I will continue to shop the local gun shops. Take care...
Joe

[wrenchman]

I have never bougt a gun on line my father inlaw has and so has my brother inlaw.
Some guns are not as common in other areas of the countryor regonaly it can be differant also.
I have gone to gun shows all over the state of mich and have noticed if i am at a shows close to detroit it is mostly black guns and pistols go to to 30 miles west or south to a couple ag areas and it is mostly shot guns and blk powder if i go north more rifels and some shot guns.
I have seen deals and can say prices for used guns can be driven by local value.
I have noticed that on line model 10 sw prices tend to run a little more on line then you can get one around here.

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I've bid on a few guns on auction sites, but never got them.....there is only so much I am willing to pay, esp. if I can't physically handle the gun; pictures can only tell you so much.
The last several firearms I've bought have been used....not so much looking for 'bargains' as it is they were just there at the right opportunity. I would imagine that if you were looking for a specific type & caliber of firearm, and needed it right now for some reason, then the auction sites would be the place to go.

Sometimes patience can be rewarding........

I looked for YEARS for a Stevens 311 in 16 gauge with 26" barrels and IC & mod chokes to go with my 12 gauge (same barrel length and chokes) and 20 gauge 311. I know they made them; I have an old Savage catalog that lists them....but they apparently weren't made in great numbers. I could find the gun with 28" barrels and mod & full chokes, but not the 26 and IC & mod that I wanted. One day I walked into a gun shop and found a Stoeger 16 gauge with I.C. & mod chokes, for the same price that the used Stevens were going for. I bought it and haven't looked back....I've been quite happy with the gun. And as fate would have it, the 12 gauge has since become dysfunctional and I gave the 20 gauge to a friend!

There are other places to find good used firearms locally....don't overlook small, out-of-the-way gun shops, pawn shops, local ad papers, and local websites.

[skeet]

The bad thng about some such as GB..there are quite a few sellers who seem to have some shill bidders. I avoid those sites because of that. You bid on a gun and some other person bids higher..They never seem to buy 'em. I have found that many gun shows you can go in and sometimes get a very good buy on certain guns..especially the guns not as popular such as the 16 ga 311 wanted by Mr 16..I actually saw one in that configuration at the last show..Guy had 350 on it and it was in good condition.. I have a 311 20 ga choked that way but it has the ol plastic stock and forend that they had for a few years.. Oh...and I like dumpster divin..or pawn shoppin whatever ya want to call it..I find a good buy every now and then..

[Dan Morris]

LOL.... I haven't bought on line in about 10 years. There was a time I bought a bunch of Winchesters in the days of yor....prices are not the same now! Besides, the ole goat has everything he wants....I always hit the final couple of minutes, and only bid what I was willing to spend...if I got it...fine....if not...tough.
Dan

[Jack]

I try to avoid the gun auction sites, because they end up costing me money.
Typically, if I look at them, I see something I think is under priced.
I have bought through auction sites in the past, and I've had no problems regarding things being fairly described, etc.
The trick is, figure out what something's worth to YOU, and stick with that- there are a bunch of guns that get listed over and over again because the seller thinks they're made out of solid gold.

[Gil Martin]

Some of the online prices I have seem give me chest pains. I usually deal with local gun shops and like to see and handle guns before I buy them. The shops I visit do sell online and say they usually get higher prices than from the local market. All the best...
Gil

[Dan Morris]

However, I saw some Remington .357 ammo for a darn good price.....yesterday, I bought 150 rds for $64 including shipping and hazmat fees. May be high for some of you.....if you haven't seen factory ammo for about 2 years, it was a blessing!!!LOL

Moral to story.........never say never!
Dan

[popplecop]

Should not be hazmat fees on loaded ammo, only on powder and primers separately.

[Rapier]

I think using auction sites can be quite rewarding if you know what YOU are doing and forget what the other guy is doing. I buy and sell a good many parts on line. Usually I will return from a show with a few items that did not move so I drop them online and run them until they sell. As a matter of fact I did not go to the last show and instead just listed my stuff on line, sold it all in about 10 days and had nary a motel or food bill ooorrrr table cost.

I have bought and sold a good many items on the net. I spent 2 years looking for a 20ga Benelli Cordoba and found an as new, two boxes fired, gun on line, finally.
Ed