Suz,
You can also ship your gun by UPS or FedEx Ground without a problem. Some local pickup places for UPS and FedEx are unaware of current firearms shipping regulations and I often have to educate them. All the best...
Gil

I have also heard from other forms that if you ship with ups/fedex is to have the firearm insured for at least $1000.00. I don't know if its true or not but some people went thru grief with their firearms and that having insurance of at least $1000.00 will make the claim go faster if any thing should happen to the gun as far as getting lost/damaged.

Hi Suz,
I have sold a number of handguns online. I always ship by FedEx because UPS insurance claims have a reputation for being very lengthy and difficult. USPS is cheaper, but will not ship handguns unless it is between FFL dealers. Long guns are simpler, of course.
I have never had any damaged shipments, so have not had to deal with insurance claims, but FedEx has a good reputation in this regard.
For more information, browse the Forums (sellers forum) on AuctionArms.com

A mighty THANKS for that shipping info. guys!

Suz

My ten cents worth.
Spend a little time and money and visit/approach gunsmiths.
I beleive in face to face contact that way theres no B/S and its done with a nod and a shake.
Ask around, theres gotta be someone, he's a mechanic for firearms. You don't trust the first mechanicyou find, you find someone whom you can build a decent working relationship with.

Thats my ten cents.

What I have found over the years regardless of what type of work/services you pay for, certain terminology are buzz words that set bells and whistles off in the minds of those asked to perform said job.

This is not to say you can't get things on the cheap or inexpensive. It's all in the approach and coming to an understanding between two parties.

For example, a high luster royal blue or case coloring versus a parkerized finish. If you simply ask for a inexpensive or cheap (buzzword) finish one might make an assumption instead of looking at it as the lower priced option that's available.
Your choice in finish is cheap in comparison to others but by no means were you trying to imply anything in regards to the quality of said job.
Of course you want it done right............the first time !!!

You can also run into this with branding of products. Let them throw the names around and then ask their opinion on a particular brand if it's not referenced.

I'm not trying to defend this guy by any means............he's definitely on the arrogant side. Sad to say though, these types are often perfectionist who perform outstanding and quality work.

Suz:

If yer sending yer hunny somewhere...I recomend:

D&T Custom Gunworks.

You can send rifle and parts, or just the rifle and have him install EXACTLY what you want, he'll make suggestions for you if you ask, he won't do anything more than you ask, etc. Also- if he can't do it the way you want (can't imagine why) he'll know who can. This guy knows his stuff. Send him an e-mail.
Tell him I sent you and "Boomer" says Hi. (see my avatar)

I have shipped hundreds of guns (long and short)through UPS and have only had 1 insurance claim. It went smooth and we had check in hand inside 1 week of claim.

Things do not often translate in an email as well as they do face to face.

He may indeed be a D-bag but he also may be a perfectionist who is tired of getting nickled and dimed by people wanting him to turn a broken down military surplus C&R rifle into a bule printed and trued match rifle for $50...

I would give him the benefit of a visit to confirm his nature face to face since he is close to you. You might end up with a gem real close by. Or.. If he is a D- bag you can spread the word based on more than a three line e-mail.

Agree w/ DD. If he's close, stop in fer a sit-down. I've put up with some tude fer good work, like with surfboards and such.

If not- give D&T a shout...tell David yer from here. I aint pluggin' for him but others will testify to his abilities and ease of workin' with.

Thanks yeah he is close but only publishes a P.O. box, if you want him to do some work you have to take it to a gun shop and he does regular weekly pickups. I would like to talk to someone personally but he's not going to see you unless you are there when he does a pickup. I know, I've asked about that.

He might be the guy but he doesn't sound like he wants my work. That's why I was kind-hearted about it. Thought maybe he might reply with something more substantial. I think I've got my bolt problem fixed but would like someone to look it over (preferably with me there). We'll see what happens.

Suz

No reply today...I think he's done with it

Suz

No reply today either. Here's a sense of my feelings about trading with him Watch this

Suz

Ok I haven't mailed this out yet. I want your input before I do. Some eloquent pros would be helpful. Here's the first draft;

titled; No Reply?

Well I assume you told me to take a hike. Sorry about that. I also assumed that you had professionalism, integrity, and as you put it in your web site ad "with our friendly shop you and your weapon will be treated special".

I didn't ask for crappy work to be done but you assumed it. I didn't ask for you to use crappy parts, but you assumed it. Inexpensive means not expensive. Do you know what my idea of expensive is? Didn't think so.

I guess I got the special treatment!! Ha!

In turn I should also do you a favor. Your two local referrals may find it hard to do business with such special treatment served up. I suppose, since you are obviously in no need for new business and don't even want to think about the word inexpensive, I'll explain to them what your thoughts on the subject are. I'm sure they will find it worry free to send you only the crown jewels of the area.....well there aren't any, so it will be pretty easy.

I won't be doing business with you or anyone that supports you. That goes for my friends as well. Your referrals will find this fascinating.

Hm...thats a pretty "in ya face", "stay outa mine" type of email Suz.

Maybe Radar, Chambered and Dawgdad have a good idea...drop this guy a pleasant email mentioning that there may be a misunderstanding as to what you are actually looking for, and he may well come around. As Dawgdad says...he may have had a couple of unpleasant experiences with people who wanted the world for next to nothing. As Radar says, he may turn out to be half decent.

If you meet up with the guy and he is an arrogant SOB, then by all means let him know exactly where you stand, reminding him of the "satisfied customer" advertisement and that you intend letting his referring businesses know about your experiences with him.

Nothing to loose and everything to gain mate.

Cheers, Vince