I have never bought anything off the Armslist...any advice?

read the thread on armslist scammers

I have been having a discussion regarding Armslist on another forum. Apparently the scamming got worse once the prices started to artificially rise due to the panic buying. But from what others have said is that it has always been like this. Just that it has gotten worse since the panic. Most everyone seems to be finding better deals on local websites and gun shows rather than Armslist.

I have been having a discussion regarding Armslist on another forum. Apparently the scamming got worse once the prices started to artificially rise due to the panic buying. But from what others have said is that it has always been like this. Just that it has gotten worse since the panic. Most everyone seems to be finding better deals on local websites and gun shows rather than Armslist.

Sometimes I'll check Armslist or Gunbroker to check going rates.  I have buddies who are heavy into sports memorabilia and they use eBay to site as "comps" (items for price comparison, or comparable value) in their negotiations.  Other than that, I generally stay away.  If I were to buy something used, I would generally prefer it be from someone I know personally.  Same for selling a firearm.

From what I can tell from most sites like that as well as classified sections on gun forums is that people tend to over value items, particularly used items.  I believe many are trying to recoup what they paid for the item and not really what the going rate is.  Which is totally fine as that's their prerogative to set the value.  One man's junk is another's treasure. 

Btw, I still have a High Standard pistol sitting around. . . 

Scammers are everywhere - Amazon, Ebay, GB, AL, even some legit looking retail websites seem a bit sus these days. I only just recently made my first purchase off Armslist a couple weeks ago - an AR lower that's been next to impossible to get directly or 3rd party retailers. Seller turned out to be great in service/communication/pricing. Only bummer was shipping cost, but that's not a knock on him, just the reality of where we live. Shipped to my FFL no problem.

If GB/AL is the only option - I usually search them up to see if sellers have a credible website/social media/reviews etc. Depending on the type/value of the item, I tend to almost always stick to online retailers with zero negative reviews. If their online presence sorta checks out, I'll reach out to them via the contact form. I then determine their credibility by the timeliness and quality of their response. Still always a risk though.

The one thing that I've been finding is that a ton of online retailers will list a product in stock, but they're really back-orders and they'll hold your money for weeks/months waiting for the item. Or they're drop-shippers that rely on distributors to ship, but aren't always current on stock levels and again end up waiting weeks/months for distributor to ship. I always email them to confirm if items are actually in stock/ready to ship or back-orders.

As always, if something looks too good to be true...

Sometimes I'll check Armslist or Gunbroker to check going rates.  I have buddies who are heavy into sports memorabilia and they use eBay to site as "comps" (items for price comparison, or comparable value) in their negotiations.  Other than that, I generally stay away.  If I were to buy something used, I would generally prefer it be from someone I know personally.  Same for selling a firearm.

From what I can tell from most sites like that as well as classified sections on gun forums is that people tend to over value items, particularly used items.  I believe many are trying to recoup what they paid for the item and not really what the going rate is.  Which is totally fine as that's their prerogative to set the value.  One man's junk is another's treasure. 

Btw, I still have a High Standard pistol sitting around. . . 

Since I generally only buy used firearms these days I wouldn’t want to buy one that I couldn’t fondle and check out before I buy. It’s like buying a used car or house sight unseen.

Speaking of buying and selling to people you know..... I know a guy with a High Standard just sitting around.... 

While completely irrelevant now... I miss Backpage and just meeting up with people in Vegas

While completely irrelevant now... I miss Backpage and just meeting up with people in Vegas

You talking about the classifieds for firearms and other items? 

Or other, uh, services?   

 

You talking about the classifieds for firearms and other items? 

Or other, uh, services?   

 

heads

While completely irrelevant now... I miss Backpage and just meeting up with people in Vegas

You talking about the classifieds for firearms and other items? 

Or other, uh, services?   

 

yes.....