Buying gun on armslist

[Kelor]

I looked around and couldn't find anything.

When buying a gun on armslist, what are the things to be clearly aware of during the purchase?

Specifically, how do you know the gun seller is the legal owner?

[MJY65]

There will be many that reply with positive experiences, but I will offer a word of warning.

I've listed 3 firearms for sale on Gunbroker. Two of the three were copied and pasted to Armslist by scammers, so I'd say your chances of getting ripped off are fairly high. Face to face in a public place, maybe.

[BigBlue]

There will be many that reply with positive experiences, but I will offer a word of warning.

I've listed 3 firearms for sale on Gunbroker. Two of the three were copied and pasted to Armslist by scammers, so I'd say your chances of getting ripped off are fairly high. Face to face in a public place, maybe.

How would that work? How did they expect to complete the sale without actually having a firearm?

[MJY65]

There will be many that reply with positive experiences, but I will offer a word of warning.

I've listed 3 firearms for sale on Gunbroker. Two of the three were copied and pasted to Armslist by scammers, so I'd say your chances of getting ripped off are fairly high. Face to face in a public place, maybe.

How would that work? How did they expect to complete the sale without actually having a firearm?

I'm sure they were hoping someone would send them a money order which they would cash with no firearm ever being sent to the buyer.

[Kelor]

I'm definitely doing face to face, but I'm curious how you know it's not a stolen gun. Gut?

I asked one guy if he has his original bill of sale and he immediately told me it was sold. 12 hours later, it's still out there on Armslist, which leads me to believe he's selling stolen goods.

[Ironbear]

I'm definitely doing face to face, but I'm curious how you know it's not a stolen gun. Gut?

Talking with them on the phone, for a few minutes, will generally give an impression of whether this is someone you want deal with.

I don't know if you can know it's not stolen, but someone dealing in stolen goods is not going to want to have any connection back to them. Telling them up front that you require a bill of sale with the seller's name and address (both of which must match the ID they will need to supply) will sort out bad apples. If a seller is not willing to show you an ID... definitely walk! I don't require a copy of their ID, but I do require that a seller show me a valid ID, if for no other reason, to prove that they are a state resident.

[LarryFlew]

Have bought many and sold many guns and other items on most of the sites. On Armslist buying I watch for those who are registered users and of the registered users make sure they did not do so recently.

Only purchased one that was from MN where we could do a ftf. The rest where pay seller and then he ships which is why you need to be careful.

Only bad deals where buying 44 mag nickel brass and received huge bag of 44 special aluminum garbage and buying a gun from huge dealer with 3 hard to find mags and finding 2 where for the wrong gun. Other than that have saved a BUNCH over the years by very carefully shopping.

[prushin]

Call your local Sheriff. All LE agencies can run a check against NCIC. If you can get even a partial serial # they will get a hit if its been reported stolen.

[xd ED]

Call your local Sheriff. All LE agencies can run a check against NCIC. If you can get even a partial serial # they will get a hit if its been reported stolen.

As I understand it, a LEO will only run a check on the firearm if they are in the presence of the firearm. That way, if it is stolen they can/ will confiscate it.

Never done it personally, I won't get that deep into suspicious transactions.

[Uffdaphil]

I've bought and sold a bunch on AL. I generally only do face to face in a public place. I rarely ship and only to an FFL and if paid in full up front. If a seller is not registered I ask more questions. Walk away from buyers or sellers with hinky stories, out of state ID, it"s a present for my dad, have no accessories and obviously know nothing about the gun. Judgement call. I will show my permit and DL, but for bill of sale it's name. city, serial number only. Those long too much info forms are just are burglar gold.

If the price is really good I don"t try to wheedle it down. A good deal will have multiple buyers and you will lose out.

[TooFewGuns]

I've bought and sold on Armslist, always with a bill of sale. I check IDs and permits. HAs anyone had issues registering on Armslist? I've tried a couple of times and not been able to.

[28_days]

It's always interesting to see how many of you require a PTC/PTP and a bill of sale. Nice work adding more regulation, seems very ironic.

If you feel someone is off then don't complete the transaction.

[Ironbear]

It's always interesting to see how many of you require a PTC/PTP and a bill of sale. Nice work adding more regulation, seems very ironic.

Regulation? I don't think that word means what you think it means...

[photogpat]

It's always interesting to see how many of you require a PTC/PTP and a bill of sale. Nice work adding more regulation, seems very ironic.

If you feel someone is off then don't complete the transaction.

I see it as a selfish move to protect one's own assets - not a call for increased regulation.

You're free to do whatever you wish of course.

[xd ED]

It's always interesting to see how many of you require a PTC/PTP and a bill of sale. Nice work adding more regulation, seems very ironic.

If you feel someone is off then don't complete the transaction.

A private transaction between two willing and consenting parties; with terms either can accept, decline, or negotiate with no .gov interference, that allows for your second sentence, which will offer the greatest protection.