Internet gun purchases

I bought a lightly used cap and ball revolver  online (Auction arms). The seller was an FFL and had a non shooting inspection and  return policy if dissatisfied. Since it was a blackpowder gun he sent it straight to my PO box just like Dixie Arms would.

One of the best FFL dealers from my area sells a lot of used guns and bulk ammo on Auction Arms.
I will buy from Auction arms again if it were a dealer with good feedback and something I want. If its not blackpowder, I know three small FFLs nearby who take auction arms transactions for a flat fee.

I've had both Good and Bad experiences,  But for the most part good, 
 The Worse was  les Baer 1911, which was machined for a reverse recoil guide rod plug,  The Previous owner did not disclose this and took pictures of the Pistol an an angle where you could not see the unsightly gap between the slide and frame. (when the pistol was re-assembled with the oringinal parts it left this gap withouth the recoil plug)  The seller, claimed ignorance and offered to return my money and I shipped the pistol back.
 
The second was a "precision Bolt rifle" suposedly built by a reputable smith, it had the most horrible duracoat job I'd ever seen, apparently he didn't even put an ear plug in the muzzle as the muzzle end had overspray down the barrel,  It can be argued that this isn't a big deal, but it does appear very unprofessional.  In addition the barrel wasn't even free- floated as it made contact with the forearm of the stock.  I ended up fixing the issues and selling the rifle to a friend of mine.
 
Another time, a buddy of mine bought a "trued 700 action" it turned out to be a hatchett job.  He got stuck with this one.
 
I have had great experiences though,  made some good friends, I bought a Lew Horton 3" model 29 from another LEO out west,  Another model 29-2 from Montana, and a 1903 springfield from a LEO in Texas, all turned out to be great deals.
For the most part I've gotten treated fairly, funny thing is both the "bad apples" I got were both from Florida, LOL but I don't think that made any difference.
I tend to shy away from folks that don't seem to know what they are talking about, if that makes any sense.....

Purchased a couple over gunbroker, completly satisfied, but still there is always a risk. Check the feedback in the sellers profile. Been a while, but shipping and transfer fees were less then buying in state and paying sales tax.
(edit---both out of Flordia!)  

I imagine that if you don't like your purchase, and can send it back for refund, that you are still on the hook for return shipping, which can be pretty costly. Still have yet to take the plunge, but have seen a few things on the net that never appear in any local venue.

I try to give busness to the local ranges and shops, but for the most part they just don't have the selection that gunbroker has.
 Except for one or two gunstores in this state, the gun pricing is pretty competitive with the internet, our sales tax is 9.5 %, compaired to shipping and transfer which runs about $50-$60 on average, so pretty much a wash on guns in the $500-$1000 range. Just comes down to selection.

When I figure in all the extra expenses involved with internet purchases, any potential savings evaporates pretty quickly. Of course, with a local store, if I need to return defective merchandise, its simple in comparison. Gun stores out here tend to go top of the line for pricing-it is sometimes possible to find a square deal, but all too often, prices are well above blue book on used items. GB does have a pretty amazing selection. I may go ahead and try this internet thing, but just have trouble laying down heavy coin for something only viewed via a picture or two. Seems that folks here have had good luck with good people-not surprising, really, just a matter of discovering who is good-and who is not!

I've purchases a couple and have not had any issues. One of which was an older S&W revolver and the description was fairly accurate. It belonged to a Police Officer in CA and the Dept. requirements were double action only and they hammer was bobbed. The other was a Jim Clark modified 1911A1 that was exactly as described. Most of the Sellers will give you a couple of days to inspect and then return it if it wasn't as described.
 
Bob

I have bought a number of guns over Gunsamerica.com. All my transactions ahve been good. I think a bit of email with the seller can tell you whether you want to buy or not.
Mike