Buying Online

[crzycowboy]

Hey yall

I was just wondering what yalls opinions were of buying guns from the internet. I've never bought a gun before, and am about to do so in the near future; but, I don't know if I should purchase locally, or purchase online and save about $50-$60 (or more depending upon the store).

Basic logic tells me it's obviously better to have $50-$60 left in my wallet, but then again I don't know all of the advantages/disadvantages of buying online or locally.

Any wisdom on this subject?

[BattleRifleG3]

Tradeoffs:
Buying online you can select the specific model more easily and access lower prices. You also don't pay sales tax in most cases. BUT you have to factor in shipping and a transfer fee. Before buying online line up an arrangement with a local dealer to do a transfer and know his fees and terms.
Buying in person, you more directly support a local establishment, and you will usually get to examine said gun yourself before committing to buy. That's good if buying a used gun.

[Big Dog]

So far, I've done so four times - three good experiences, and one bad one. Didn't lose money on Number Four, but the danged seller sold the gun to a 'walk-in' out from under me, AFTER we agreed to the deal and I'd sent payment. He returned my MO.
Be sure to ask for more pics if necessary, and a clear honest description. Some sellers have rose-tinted glasses.

[BattleRifleG3]

If he was selling via Gunbroker, he blatantly violated their policies.

Otherwise, he was just unethical, equally blatantly.

[billy]

every gun i have bought online was NIB from a reputable dealer and i saved some cash. the local stores either dont have what i want IE saiga or want way too much for it. i would support the small businesses but i just cant afford to!

[Oxford]

Whenever possible it would be wiser to buy from your local gun dealer, and pay at least the additional amount (usually between $25-$45) the local dealer charges to ship to his site. Of course, he has his operating expenses to cover, and the expenses required to maintain his FFL business license. Also, he usually won't have the advantage of "economies of scale."

Supporting your local dealer is usually influenced by lots of factors which could sway your buying decision one way or the other. Dealer's "attitude", inventory availablity, price, gunsmith service available, and more should be taken into consideration.

Personally, I've done both. Each purchase requires the buyer to consider the circumstances involved again. Will it be a NIB, used, trade, or what? Therefore, only you can weigh those factors.

[crzycowboy]

billy,
Yeah I'm in the same boat - mainly on the financial side of it. One store in the area would've taken over $500 (after taxes) from me for the gun I want when I it would be just over $400 (final price) on the net NIB. I would feel much more comfortable buying local, but a nearly $100 difference overrides the discomfort.

Oxford,
I appreciate the feedback. I don't like to throw large amounts of money away like many women do (zing!). lol jk if there any ladies here.....not kidding if they're not! lol :-p. Anyway, I checked just about ever factor I could think of, and the internet deal was still better. Like I said in respone to billy, I would feel more comfortable buying local for several reasons, but, unfortunately the $$$ is the deciding factor for me right now so I'm pretty much forced to go with lowest price. I'm still getting it from a reputable online dealer, so I'm not too worried about it. I actually paid for it last night, and confirmed the order. So we'll see how it goes. I'm expecting a relatively smooth transaction, but we'll see.

Thanks for all the feedback y'all! Greatly appreciate!

[trapfreek]

I only buy on-line when I find a gun that I can't find in my local gun shops. For instance 2 Winchester shotguns, one twenty ga. and one sixteen ga. and a Remington 11-48 in 20 ga. Had good experiences with all purchases. I do buy local if I can find it though.

[billy]

Originally Posted by trapfreek

I only buy on-line when I find a gun that I can't find in my local gun shops. For instance 2 Winchester shotguns, one twenty ga. and one sixteen ga. and a Remington 11-48 in 20 ga. Had good experiences with all purchases. I do buy local if I can find it though.

if a local shop has something and the price isnt to out of line. i would rather buy it here if for no other reason that im a sucker for instant gratification!

[okami515]

have done both and the one thing I really prefer about the local is getting to handle the gun prior to the sale. see how the trigger is if the action is smooth and clean. Even through thry might have posted seveal pic online its not the same as putting your own hands on it.

[BattleRifleG3]

I sometimes consider the cost of fuel to and from a store. Ie if I'm there and the price is fair, why spend $20 and two hours on another trip to save $20 on the price?

[JoeLee]

As I posted previously,I'd never buy a gun new or used that I didn't hold and examine personally.I've seen new guns in the racks, with canted screws ,blemished bluing ,forearms a different color from the shoulder stock ,and leaching bluing salts.Owning an ugly gun is worse than being married to an ugly woman.

[dave375hh]

I've bought 6 guns off of Gun Broker, 4 new & 2 used. I will only bid on a gun when the dealer has at least 100 positive feedbacks or more. I've had no problems so far and will continue to bid/buy on Gun Broker. I may miss some killer deals this way, but I don't like to grab the smelly end of the stick if I can help it.

I had one seller say there were some small scratches on the front of the cylinder on a used S&W 317. That one was listed/sold $75.00 under dealer cost and I had to use a lighted magnifing glass to find the scratches. I'd have rated it ANIB because it came with the plastic case and all the paperwork.