What to look for in gun advertisements

[1911crazy]

Most sellers/dealers give a pretty good discription of what they are selling like Empirearms, Allens Armory and North China Arms are pretty good at describing conditions of their guns.  I have bought from Aim Surplus, Century Arms, Samco Global Arms and SOG (southern Ohio Gun) in the past and recieved what I ordered no problems I have heard good things about the ones posted before too buy haven't had a chance to buy from them yet. I have a plan since I have just recently made a bad purchase now.
If you don't know the dealer and its the first time buying and its not one above Don't take the dealers/sellers ratings in the add!!!!  If the gun is just rated "VERY GOOD" example with no description don't trust the seller ask questions first   "IS THE GUN COMPLETE??"  then ask bore condition, then ask about the reciever condition any pitts or bluing % left??  then ask if the stock is cracked or refinished and if its a swede is the stock disc there but some mausers/FN's do have stock dics too. The gun being ORGINAL is important to a collector if not the value is gone its shooter quality is there but the collectors view its worthless. Don't pay too much if its not orginal too so you be the judge. Lets call this buyers awareness learning, no flame intended or against anyone just a knowledge sharing experience.                                                               BigBill

The dealers above if its very good the gun is very good you can bet on it 99.9 % of the time.

[Stuffy25thIA]

I feel your pain BigBill, I bought an 1863 58 cal 3 bander from a fellow off another site last year for $400.00.  He stated that it was NEW, when I received it, I found that it had been fired and not cleaned.  There was even a small charge of black powder in the breech area.  The barrel was very rusty, and would not come clean.  When I told the guy about it, he said he thought I still got a good deal at $400.00 even with a rusty bore, I thought not.  Anyway he refused to return my money and I ended up with a rusty gun and a bad taste in my mouth.  Anymore I always ask about a return period.

[1911crazy]

Thank's we live and learn for sure. I just watch who i buy from now.  
                                                                   BigBill

And maybe its partly my fault too I should of asked more questions is all I'm trying to say so talk more to the seller too.