Buying a high $$$ gun on SH - need advice please

[Smitty192]

I am looking to make a purchase for a high $$$ rifle. This one is a little higher than others I have purchased on here. I understand I will be assuming a certain amount of risk, but want to mitigate that as much as possible,

I would really appreciate some advice on insuring the validity of the purchaser and delivery of the item.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Sniperwannabee]

I have bought a AI on here with no problems, look to see if they have been a member on here for a while and if they have good feedback... gun owners are the most law abiding people on the planet. I actually used a personal check so that way I knew who the money was going to and their home address if something went wrong.. the only downfall was I had to wait a couple more days for the check to make it there and clear.

 

[Jscb1b]

Face to face is the safest. Check feedback. Longtime member or FNG? Plain old gut feeling. What type of payment?

 

[Downtown]

Probably the best thing you can do is to call and have a personal live conversation. Other things I've done are to Google the person's real name and address. That usually gives me the confidence to go through with a high dollar deal, as well as telling me a lot more information than one realizes. If I can't do those things, or if anything fishy arises, I don't do the deal.

 

[Downtown]

A person should not mind a call with a really high dollar deal.

 

[Jscb1b]

Open comms.

 

[pmclaine]

No longer available...just posted Ill take it........

Problem solved.

 

[Arc Light]

Agree with personal comms by phone. As a seller, I always offer to call the buyer or have them call me. If a seller refuses or seems hesitant, walk away.

 

[Jscb1b]

Seconds.

 

[Bigfatcock]

I use an escrow service on high dollar items bought online. If a seller won’t ageee to that then I don’t buy.

 

[LawnMM]

What's the escrow service cost?

 

[Sniperwannabee]

Probably the best thing you can do is to call and have a personal live conversation. Other things I've done are to Google the person's real name and address. That usually gives me the confidence to go through with a high dollar deal, as well as telling me a lot more information than one realizes. If I can't do those things, or if anything fishy arises, I don't do the deal.

i did the exact thing i google street view his home hahah

 

[SilentStalkr]

I have bought a AI on here with no problems, look to see if they have been a member on here for a while and if they have good feedback... gun owners are the most law abiding people on the planet. I actually used a personal check so that way I knew who the money was going to and their home address if something went wrong.. the only downfall was I had to wait a couple more days for the check to make it there and clear.

can’t always go by that either. I had a spotless record and tons of deals here over the years but you wouldn’t know it. It’s all he wiped clean. If you look at it now you’d think I’ve never sold or bought anything.

 

[rtB]

Simple thing to do is ask for a specific picture. Like can you send me a picture of the item on your kitchen table with a fork in front of it. This will confirm they actually have the item and didn't just post pictures from the interwebs.

 

[Sniperwannabee]

can’t always go by that either. I had a spotless record and tons of deals here over the years but you wouldn’t know it. It’s all he wiped clean. If you look at it now you’d think I’ve never sold or bought anything.

good point the switch over did erase alot of sell/purchases history

 

[nn8734]

I’ve had face-time conversations with folks on here for high dollar items, both as a buyer and a seller where I or they would show the rifle or scope or whatever is the subject of the transaction... As others have said, if the seller is unwilling to speak by phone, walk. If face time doesn’t work (one of the parties doesn’t have an iPhone) asking for a picture like rtB said also works.

If I’m the seller, I have no reason to avoid phone conversations if everything is on the up and up.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

This has been the most honest, reliable, up-front and outstanding place to buy high-dollar anything from rifles to Night Vision.

Don't be stupid (aka, buying from [email protected]...

But otherwise, this is THE best community to trust for the good stuff.

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[Arc Light]

Gotta say this too, from a seller's perspective:

I try and accommodate and make a buyer feel as comfortable as possible. Like speaking by phone for example. But, if the requests start to get ridiculous or out of hand, I politely decline the transaction, as is my right.

Not going to be sending driver's license pictures, birth certificates, passports, social security numbers, etc. to a complete stranger. I never need to sell anything that badly.

 

[dzander]

I bought a nice scope on here, $2k. I pm'd back and forth about it and other subjects shooting related etc.
Seller seamed genuine.
I mailed a bank check out via ups , shot a picture of it and emailed it to the seller, Seller shipped scope before he got the check.
Items was better than I expected, maybe I was lucky. In general guys that are real shooters ,I found to be very reliable/trustworthy.

 

[pmclaine]

I use an escrow service on high dollar items bought online. If a seller won’t ageee to that then I don’t buy.

What's the escrow service cost?

Got to be cheaper than his escort service.

Gigolos make big money.

 

[Smitty192]

Thank you all very much. This has been a big help. I have never had an issue with any deal on here, but this purchase would be more expensive than any previous deal.

Really great information from everyone. Thanks again.

 

[Jscb1b]

What does your gut tell you?

 

[1moaoff]

Who's the seller?

 

[psmith23]

I'll x100 on the phone calls and a conversation. Normally you can tell a lot in just the first few minutes. One thing too is you can ask for shooting community references. This is a pretty small group of guys and I've been surprised who knows who or has at least bought something from someone who knows a friend who I know of, etc. You get the idea. Also many of us newbies had a ton of posts over the years that have been lost through various forum transitions. Might want to ask about that too. I've done a few major transactions over the years and all have been gtg.

 

[whatsupdoc]

If he purchased the rifle new have him send you a copy of the original invoice it will have the S/N, name address.

 

[SilentStalkr]

How much we talking? I’ve bought stuff for $6000 or more. I’ve sold stuff for on here to. There were a few I decided not to do biz with based on what was perceived as a red flag to me, but most are stand up guys here. Just do your homework, talk and if you get a bad gut feeling, listen to it. It is a lot of money and after it crosses state lines there isn’t a ton you can do about it.

 

[simpletoms]

I've done several 1-2.5K deals on SH and other websites. Can't say I've had a bad deal. I bought a used Vudoo for 2k, and was a little concerned, but the seller shipped through an FFL to my FFL and that made me feel much better about the deal. FFL's exchanged info before we exchanged money. FFL's don't like getting into trouble...

 

[Nik H]

I am looking to make a purchase for a high $$$ rifle. This one is a little higher than others I have purchased on here. I understand I will be assuming a certain amount of risk, but want to mitigate that as much as possible,

I would really appreciate some advice on insuring the validity of the purchaser and delivery of the item.

Thanks in advance.

I bought an unfired AI AXMC LH from a member with one post...LOL. A very high dollar transaction

We had great comms and I had a process that he had to agree to including:

1. Phone call when we had agreed on a price
2. All of the information for his FFL handling the transfer plus a 3 way call to allow me to ensure that the FFL was willing to work with me
3. Sending me a photo of his drivers license (both sides). He actually sent me that plus photos of his military ID.
4. Bringing the rifle to his FFL and having it entered as a transfer. Photos of the transaction to the FFL required including photos of the rifle with the SN. Once this is done, he can't reverse it without the FFL checking with me. He did this without question and also sent me the original invoice from EuroOptic.
5. Proof of his communication to the FFL authorizing the shipment when I wired the money. I made sure to call the seller when I was ready to wire him the money. I told him I expected him to call the FFL as soon as he received notice that the funds were delivered.
6. Shipment tracking number from his FFL to my FFL. Shipment was sent 2 day air with insurance paid for by the seller.

Worked well

 

[BLKWLFK9]

Skype his ass and get him to show the rifle to you live. IMO, 99% of the scamming that actually does go on in here, the fucker doesnt even have what hes selling. Very rarely do they have it but dont send it. Unless hes Steven Spielberg, he ain't faking in a live video.

 

[Steel+Killer]

I bought my AI AX off a guy here I drove about 2hrs to meet him so it was a FTF, but I was a little nervous meeting him at a truck stop off 95 near Savannah, GA with 4.5K in my pocket. I was packing a little heat in case things went south......LOL Thank god the guy was super cool and all was well couldn't slap the shit eating grin off my face the whole way home.

 

[hafejd30]

I usually look at the guys feedback. Not just for positive feedback but also who it’s from. The longer your here the more familiar names become. So I look for names of other people I’ve dealt with on here already. Or check the account/feedback for those who gave my seller feedback.

High end items I request pics with my screen name next to the item. Also like to communicate with the seller through text message or phone call. Most guys will have no issue sharing additional pics and info with you.

When someone has zero feedback and only a few posts that are basically fillers, like tags or generic posts I generally sit back and let someone else have the deal. Anyone offering these “fire” sales, only accepting PayPal friend to friend or huge discounts because they need to sell ASAP are automatic flags for me.

Like stated above most of these people steal pics from other forums and post them as their own here. Without actually having the item. So sending me a text with the item and my name on a paper or other requested info makes me feel better.

At the end of the day any transaction is a risk. The scammers get on here but mods do a good job of helping stop the majority. If you have a bad feeling just pass on the deal.

I also try to leave feedback after I make a deal with someone. Especially for higher end items. Also have no issue with other future buyers of theirs contacting me for feedback from that deal. I have had this several times and provide what I can for info to that person

 

[TheGerman]

Is this still available?

 

[kmontang]

Look for feedback, If none exist, ask for referrals. I don't have a lot of feedback on here, but I've completed well over 30 transactions, probably half of which were 4 digits, with probably 20 being sales, and if the other person involved OK's it, I'll provide their screen name and a summary of the sale to an interested buyer. Ask if another member with a longer history or good feedback here will vouch for them. Consider using regular PP instead of F&F or another payment method if neither of those are options. Try to talk to the person on the phone and see if the info you gather matches the info they gave you online (area code matches where they said they are located, they know something about the area they claim to inhabit, that sort of thing)

Obviously there isn't a way to make it 100% safe. I've had a face to face meetings off a local forum go bad (guy tried to give me fake hundreds), but trust your gut, and dont be afraid to risk offending someone for your peace of mind. For me as a frequent seller, I'll do anything I reasonably can to make a customer feel comfortable with the transaction

 

[bigbuckslayer3]

No one that is legit is gonna mind a phone call and exchange of info.

 

[stello1001]

Damn, its funny how many are saying to request a live phone and some others are even commenting on how an ID copy could be a good thing too. When I made a thread asking for similar advice about someone who tried to scam me, a lot of ppl on here gave me shit for wanting to do a live call and asking for DL copy even though the seller was going to send one to my FFL lol.

OP, I do believe it's a good idea to engage in a live call like others have mentioned. It'll let you get a feel for how the seller is and may be what type of person he is. It's not much but it's better than nothing. Normally, I'll have the seller individually send the gun/rifle to my FFL. If it is a super high dollar item though, it might be best to do FFL to FFL instead of individual to FFL. This way, you could work some thing out where you're also communicating with his FFL and verify his info online as well.

 

[Smitty192]

More great information. Thank you all very much.

 

[deersniper]

I ask for a pic of their ID with the item. Then google their address and make sure nothing sketchy.


A seller asking for a money order with tracking is a big red flag for me. Was about to buy a .50 and the seller wanted a money order with tracking. The address google view looked sketchy. They ask for tracking so they can sit there and get the money order at an address that isn’t theirs

 

[Charger442]

someone mentioned personal check.... i will not send a personal check ever again for this reason. You just gave someone you dont know your bank account and routing number and your signature.

i paid for a swarovski scope on gun broker, then about a week later, someone made a fake check, cashed it for $10k. They didnt even use my name, they just used the numbers. since then, NOPE, not sending you my personal banking information.

 

[DROWN]

I think going through an FFL on both ends is a good way to go.
Money Orders are least secure.
If I am sending a stranger more than I feel like donating to charity they better be willing to make me feel comfortable with the transaction. In my case yes that mean phone call, picture of DL etc.... not worth a good deal if it falls apart because anyone gets ripped off.

But the higher the number the more safeguards you want protecting both parties.

 

[kmontang]

someone mentioned personal check.... i will not send a personal check ever again for this reason. You just gave someone you dont know your bank account and routing number and your signature.

i paid for a swarovski scope on gun broker, then about a week later, someone made a fake check, cashed it for $10k. They didnt even use my name, they just used the numbers. since then, NOPE, not sending you my personal banking information.

that’s a really good point I had never thought of. I use PP probably 95% of the time, but I always make it clear that payment method is the buyers choice, and that seems to make most people a little more comfortable.

 

[mejohll]

I'm new here but have done a lot of buying and selling on Archery Talk with no problems. I think outdoorsmen are mostly decent people.

 

[wade2big]

that’s a really good point I had never thought of. I use PP probably 95% of the time, but I always make it clear that payment method is the buyers choice, and that seems to make most people a little more comfortable.

Accepting goods and services is a big risk to the seller. I will not do it. USPS MO or PPFF only. I’m not sending an item to a stranger that can file a false claim with PayPal and get their money back and keep my item. I have at least 100 sales on this site alone. Several custom rifles, several TRGs and several high dollar scopes in those transactions. I took friends and family maybe three times on low price items. I make that clear in my threads.

 

[StealthOwl]

Gotta say this too, from a seller's perspective:

I try and accommodate and make a buyer feel as comfortable as possible. Like speaking by phone for example. But, if the requests start to get ridiculous or out of hand, I politely decline the transaction, as is my right.

Not going to be sending driver's license pictures, birth certificates, passports, social security numbers, etc. to a complete stranger. I never need to sell anything that badly.

You could go above and beyond and send a stool sample...

 

[hafejd30]

You could go above and beyond and send a stool sample...

I always rub one off before I package the item. That way the dna is there if they need it!

 

[DOA]

Snipershide buying/selling is pretty good with minimal issues. unlike other sites where it can get dicy.

 

[hafejd30]

The mods as well as other members look out for each other here. I’ve seen several posts where a seller has been called out by other members.

We have a great group of guys here! But sometimes the “awesome” deals get someone before they have a chance to learn

 

[ACK]

I bought my first AI from Two Shoes back in the stone age, then a TRG from someone else, several Nighforce scopes... This may sound childish but I review the seller's posts. Sarcasm aside it frequently shows a portrait of the individual's character. Is the seller a serious shooter or a poser? A contributor or a post burner?
I have not encountered any scammers. Instead I am impressed at the response of this forum, with Veer, when Lowlight was facing legal challenges by an unnamed "bubbasmith"....

 

[Badfinger]

There use to be a list of ideas to help protect you on the top of the Firearms sale page but I just noticed it's gone. Things like having the seller send you a picture of the item with a note in the frame with his screen name and date etc.

 

[MilesDyson]

Lots of good information for new people

 

[Smitty192]

Lots of good information for new people

Agreed. I have learned a ton from everyone.