gun broker.com?

[huntinhick]

hello all,

so who uses gun broker.com and what do you think?  is it a good place to find frames and barrels?

thanks
Carl

[Heavy C]

Hey Carl,

I have used Gun Broker quite a bit and I like it.  As with most things on the internet it is most certainly a buyer beware scenario.  You need to know what you are looking for and how much it's really worth.

I have purchased frames on Gun Broker and GBO and have made out okay, but I think you would be served just as well or even  better by cruising the classifieds here on GBO.  As far as barrels go you can find all of the standard factory stuff, but in my opinion is priced a little high.  Again, I think you can do better here or even Ebay. 

[huntinhick]

Ramos1212,

I will use the classifieds here for most stuff but I am looking for a stainless pre g2 pistol frame.  I have seen a few complete guns offered here but I want to start with just the frame and not have to get stuff I don't want or need plus it is a little easier on the budget to do it a piece at a time.

Carl

[Keith L]

Send Ed's Contenders an email.  My bet is that he has a stainless frame and will get it to you cheaper than any of the gun auctions unless you get real lucky.  And he is a site sponsor for us as well.

[Grumulkin]

In general, there aren't too many bargains at gunbroker.com but I have picked up an Encore frame there and a barrel or two at good prices.

[Heavy C]

Ramos1212,

I will use the classifieds here for most stuff but I am looking for a stainless pre g2 pistol frame.  I have seen a few complete guns offered here but I want to start with just the frame and not have to get stuff I don't want or need plus it is a little easier on the budget to do it a piece at a time.

Carl

I understand.  All of mine have been purchased one piece at a time.  As Keith mentioned Ed's is also a possibility, but be patient.  You obviously know what you're looking for so GunBroker or even AuctionArms is an option.  Good luck on your search.

[rockbilly]

Over the past year I have bought at least 25 firearms off either Auctionarms.com, or Gunbrokers.  With the exception of two, all were as advertised and fully met my expectations.  Of the two that were not up to my specs, one was returned for a full refund, the other one I deceided to keep after the seller agreeded to return a portion of my money.

The key to buying, figure out what the gun is actually worth, keep a sharp eye on the auction, and wait until the last 30 seconds to place your bid.  Place a "PROXY" bid to the full amount that you are willing to pay.  You will still miss a lot of guns, but you will buy quite a few, and at the price you were willing to pay.  I suggest you purchase a "Blue Book of Gun Values" and keep it at the computer.  Don't bit until you have looked at the book.

The problem with most folks that buy at an auction is they are so eager to get the item that they overbid, don't get caught doing this.  First, it will likely cause you to pay to much as you get wrapped up in the excitement of bidding, second you may find yoursellf saying, "I'll show this guy he can't out bid me."  When this happens, you usually end up paying too much.

Gubbrokers and Auctionarms are safe, and there are good buys there from time to time, just be cautious.

[Davemuzz]

I have bot 2 guns off of gunbroker and sold one on that auction site. I purchased an older Contender frame in very good shape for $250 and I bot a brand new Smith 386. I will say that prior to buying the contender frame I did look on this forum and did "chat" with a fellow who was selling a few contender frame's. He had a very nice frame that he was going to sell me "if the first party didn't come thru"....and then....he maybe had another he "might"  sell....but wasn't sure. So, that "first party" bot the frame....and he "decided" to sell a second. He e-mailed me some incredably fuzzy pictures of a very old and beat up contender frame and had the hutz-pa to ask the same amount of money ($225) for this obviously beat up POS vs the first excellent frame.

I am quite certian there was no "first party" and this was nothing more than a bait-'n-switch tactic....but then, I have no way of proving it. So, I just passed on buying the POS. From the last e-mail I got from the guy, he wasn't very happy that I passed. I guess he figured he had a live one on the other end.

Look at the photos carefully. If they are fuzzy or part of the gun is hacked off from what may appear to be a bad photo.....pass on the gun. Shady sellers are quite good at taking pics "around" a section of gun they don't want you to see. Fuzzy photos are absolutely unacceptable. I mean hey, I'm no van-gough...but I can take a clear picture.

Read the feedback on the guy. If there is ANY neutral or negative feedback....read it and THINK....does this make sense? If your gut says this stinks....then it probably does! So...follow your gut and stay away!

My $.02

Dave