I agree with Steve about a dealer's reputation. When I was an FFL holder I sold some guns through Gunbroker. I was always as detailed in my descriptions as possible and listed as well as photographed every little nick or dent in the stock and scratch in the bluing. For me the name of the game isn't to send the merchandise on a vacation only to get it right back in a week or so. The goal is to sell and have it remain sold. I always felt my reputation was everything because I was raised that way. In years of selling I only had one gun returned. It was a 416 Rigby custom rifle and the buyer said it had too much recoil for him. I could have been a hardnose and refused to take it back but I okayed the return. When I got the gun back I noticed the fiberglass stock had a small scratch in the finish. I have since sold it and it was years ago. Even with things I sell today whether they be guns or cameras or whatever I value my reputation more than the sale. So far I have been lucky with a few items I have purchased as well.

Dennis

Although I have not bought a gun off the internet, sometimes I have been asked by people I know to look at a gun for them, and I have provided I have the time then. I think quite a few members will do that for others.

Drexel, Missouri is about 25 miles from me and on my biking route.

I've been bit a few times. "As is" is a curse of gunbuyers. I've returned probably 4 guns over the years. Range from a Fox Pin gun that had the forearm put in place with I think Liquid Weld. The gun was fixed never to ever come apart again. Had a Fox Sterlingworth that the barrels were so bad I sold it for parts. Biggest problem was with Pawn Shops. Now, I've made a couple of good deals with bad pictures, but I have a rule of calling a seller and asking lots and lots of questions. If I hear one more time "its in good shape for an old gun" I'm going to lose my mind. The internet has opened a lot of doors for finding guns, but its opened a lot of scams as well.

I have been buying and selling on gunbroker and other internet web sites since 1997. here are my guidelines:

rule one: do not buy unless seller offers a clear return policy without you having to ask for it.

rule two: do not buy unless seller has substantial positive feedback or is willing to accept use of escrow service for payment.

rule three: do not buy if you do not know what you are buying.

rule four: if looking for something for nothing, shop elsewhere.

I guess I have been somewhat lucky. I have bought and sold on the internet, never having a major issue. I do like the rules above as I never thought of the escrow. I would much rather do face to face it was me, but that is not always an option

Ive bought 2 doubles off Gb In the last 5 months .
One from hipless his names is Dale fisher , NY and one from waffen- something his name is Hans though he owns the dug up gun museum in Wyoming . Both of these guys are good to go in my book when it comes to buying old vintage doubles .:cheers: Mr.Dale wrapped my bonehill up extremely well infact I was going crazy because I was in such a hurry to open the box and I had to get through all the material keeping it safe :rotf:

I am dealing with one right now who doesn't seem to do anything that he promises. havnt bought yet and I think I am going to tell him to take a flying leap. If he is this unreliable now I wonder what will happen after the sale.

There are all kinds on the internet. The other side of the coin are the ones who are actually honest and highlight the defects with the gun. Being the internet, you assume the gun is a little worse than described, so price in lesser condition in your bid. I have bought a few good Parkers this way

In my experience if you have any doubt a gun that you can have brought to a local gun store to have them inspect and ship out to you, it might cost a bit more and some sellers don't want to bother with this, but the ones that do you will know that what you are buying is probably what you are getting. I have had a few that I ask to have this done from a private seller and they were ok with this of course the guns we several thousand.
And if you explain why they are more likely to make the transaction. We all know the problems of getting a gun with problems and then the cost and time it takes to send back.

I just love it when these dealers get all p*ssed off at you when you ask a bunch of questions or ask to see more photos. They should KNOW what a collector wants to see (ie: photograph the areas that have serial numbers, or proof marks). Bottom line, they are my eyes & ears, since I can't see the gun myself ! I never want to give someone an "out" by not asking enough questions. If I don't, all they have to say is "Well, you didn't ASK me about that, so I didn't technically lie to you !" If you don't want someone to ask smart questions, go sell used cars !