Gun auction sites online

Gil Martin · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 7:45 am Post subject: Gun auction sites online

Just curious how many of you good folks look at listings and prices on gun auctions sites such as AuctionArms, GunsAmerica or Gunbroker? I am often surprised and amazed at the prices and can tell you guns are much cheaper in the gun shops I visit. A local gun shop closed down to the public and sells mostly online because he gets much higher prices for his firearms. All the best...
Gil

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

Don't look on thouse auction sites mainly because its too much of a hassle to get them across the boarder. Smile

Dimitri

hunterjoe21 · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 9:58 am Post subject: Re: Gun auction sites online

Gil,

I dont watch the auctions much either, but also know a guy that does most of his business in on-line auctions. He still runs a store, but doesn't wanna talk "trade" anymore. Lemme know if anyone is interested, and I'll pm you his auction website.

ElyBoy · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 10:00 am Post subject: Re: Gun auction sites online

I like to watch them Gil, but you are dead on when it comes to prices.
Sometimes it looks like people get caught up in the competition of bidding and wanting to win the auction, instead of looking for the actual value of the gun.

I do like to get holsters, and reloading items that I want on these auction sights though.
I have gotten some great deals when I had patience and watched what I was doing.

Eric

Bushmaster · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 10:41 am Post subject: Re: Gun auction sites online

I use gunbroker as an indication or reference as to what the approximate value of certain firearms might be...

ElyBoy · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 10:51 am Post subject: Re: Gun auction sites online

Hey Bushy, I'm looking for some computer parts. A kanuter chip, and a viga chip, 'cause I'm a viga type of guy. Cool

Wonder if I could find them on some auction sites.
You see, I'm building an advanced computer.
How about you?? It seems like you are the only guy around here that hasn't started the venture yet. wtf

Eric

Bushmaster · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 10:59 am Post subject: Re: Gun auction sites online

Venture out? Venture out to where? If you mean computers. I have an 8 year old custom built AT-PLUS CPU (second from their top of the line at $1200 in 2000) with Pentium 4 chip. I forget what the specs are on this thing, but it is doing just fine for me. And after 8 years of my wife storing all her geneoligy plus all my stuff we are only at 55%. and have 65% capacity left...Only been in the shop once about 6 years ago for a virus problem and update. Let's see...Canon iP4200 printer, hp Scanjet 4570c scanner and a way out dated Envision monitor...CPU even has clear plastic side panels so you can see all the colored lights flicker on and off, though we have it inside a cabinet and can't see them...What else do I need?

ElyBoy · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 11:18 am Post subject: Re: Gun auction sites online

Holy Crap!!! Sad

I figure to be a wise guy, and get a little company with you Bushy, and as it turns out, I'm the only computer idiot around here. Sad

Eric

Bushmaster · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 11:25 am Post subject: Re: Gun auction sites online

You need company? You gettin' lonely with out K.W.? He's on THR as KI.W. too. Lonely...? Don't you have a wife? Me? A computer whizzz? Not really...If yer that lonely...DON'T LOOK AT ME!!!

What was the original topic of this thread anyway...I thought we had a computer thread else where with Big D...

dust54 · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 11:37 am Post subject: Re: Gun auction sites online

I perfer to exercise my rights and purchase from other citizens, but I have used Guns America before. I use the sites to develop an offer. I perfer to examine a firearm before a purchase. I use Ebay to purchase reloading and leather goods. I just recently purchased a holster and belt from a guy in Arizona that I was very satisfied with and I will purchase more leather from in the future. I do not purchase dies on ebay, don't trust em.

Duce · Member Joined: Mar 01, 2008 Posts: 124 Location: Kentucky

I try my best to roll my own bullets and make my own rifles as long as I am protected by the 2ND.

ElyBoy · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 2:41 pm Post subject: Re: Gun auction sites online

It must be depression.
Too long sense hunting season.
I know it's off topic Bushy Crying or Very sad

Need to kill something soon. Crying or Very sad

Eric

GroovyJack · Member Joined: May 21, 2005 Posts: 621 Location: Bama

I like GunsAmerica better than GunBroker ..

GunsAmerica price is fixed .. The price listed is the going price ..

No "auction" , first to pony up the money gets it ..

In October , I bought a 95%+ Ruger SRH 480 in the box with rings for $470 shipped to my FFL ..

You have to look and be lucky , all the other SRH 480's were over $600 and none had both the box and rings , only one or the other , or neither ..

Yesterday I bought a 4 cavity Lyman mould that I have wanted for quite a few years . It was discontinued ages ago .. When you find it on Ebay it's a feeding frenzy for it and I have seen single cavs going for $125 .. Used and rusty .. This one is NIB and was on Ebay express , which I have never heard of , and there the prices are fixed as well ..

For the most part the auction sites are a rip off , you jus have to spend time looking and be prepared to pony up when you find a deal ..

Joe Boleo · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 4:13 pm Post subject: Re: Gun auction sites online

Gil,
I agree with your post. Last week, I found a mint Remington 66 .22 semi-auto rifle at a local gun shop for $150.00. I went to several online auction sites and they had the same rifle for $350.00. Guess where I will do my shopping? Take care...
Joe

Handloader · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 10:55 pm Post subject: Re: Gun auction sites online

Over the past two years I have bought numerous firearms on GunBroker and Auction Arms. I also work at a gunshop that has a lot of used stuff coming in weekly that I can buy at submarket price. So, why use the auction sites?

The two mentioned auction sites give a broader base of selection than any combination of local stores could possibly offer. The observation that many of the prices are in the higher range is correct, but, not all of them. Still, if there is a firearm you have been searching for the past several decades one pops up on the auction sites, it offers a possibility of getting that firearm now. That said, most of my purchases have been reasonably priced, although I hasten to add, many of my bids get bested.

If you see something that is appealing, my suggestion is to wait until the last 24 hours, 'cuz that's when the serious bidding takes place. In general I avoid sellers that have Reserve Prices as that is simply hedging the entire auction process. Establish the maximum you are willing to pay taking into consideration shipping and dealer transfer costs and enter your maximum bid. Keep in mind that values can vary on firearms geographically and seasonally and the selling price could be below what a similar firearm would bring in your area. Many of the California dealers take in trades they cannot sell in Kalifornia because of DOJ regulations and some of these firearms sell at very reasonable prices.

Too, all sellers have contact information to resolve any questions or issues before the auction closes or before you place a bid. Most (not all) are totally upfront in their dealings. Good assurance is to use only a credit card for purchase which allows you to dispute problems if needs be and, for me, establishes some credibility on the part of the seller. Always check the Feedback from other buyers, a good clue as to any potential issues.

Yesterday I won a bid on a Ruger Vaquero, 7.5", blue, NIB, 44-40 which I wanted to compliment another Vaquero with a shorter barrel. With freight, the cost was $352, or, about $100 less than a similar revolver would sell for locally. (The 44-40 Vaquero was limited in production numbers and the value will accelerate in the coming years.) January I won a bid on a used 1964 Remington 40X in 222 Rem that has been a delight in all regards (I needed a rifle, afterall, to mount a Unertl 16X on) and it was undervalued at $715. So, some good deals can be had. But, most of my bids don't win, so, its a game of persistence to find good prices. Mostly, though, its fun.