Buying out of state

Eric_williams

Eric_williams

Well-Known Fanatic
Joined
Jan 24, 2012
Messages
212
Location
Broken Arrow, OK
Guys need some advice on buying out of state from an individual. Never bought a gun from an individual out of state and dont want to get burned on the money part. anyone have any advice for the best way to pay and go about this?

Mods please move this if its not in the right spot
 
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I bought my first 3 handguns online out of state. I just made sure my FFL knew about it, sent the copy of FFL to seller along with money, and waited for it to show up at my FFL.
 
Just contact your FFL before purchasing. Some will accept transfers from individuals and some will only accept transfers from FFL holders.
 
Make sure everything is squared away with your FFL.

I would also ask for a copy of the dude's driver's license, especially if you're going to pay by money order. I once bought a rifle from a guy in Maine and paid for it via money order that I mailed to a PO box. The seller promptly fell of the face of the earth. I had to do some cyber-sleuthing to track him down (including bullying some of his personal information out of a former employer I found) and threaten to have him charged with mail fraud to get him to deliver.
 
How are you finding this person from out of state? I have bought and sold a bunch of guns and such on gun broker. I trust the folks with high transaction numbers. Other than that I have bought and sold off of other forums from guys I knew of but didn't know personally. I have also bought off of other forums from guys I didn't know at all based in them having a high post count and then talking to them on the phone to get a warm fuzzy about them. It's all a little risky but all in all most gun sellers are in the up and up.
 
poopgiggle said:
Make sure everything is squared away with your FFL.

I would also ask for a copy of the dude's driver's license, especially if you're going to pay by money order. I once bought a rifle from a guy in Maine and paid for it via money order that I mailed to a PO box. The seller promptly fell of the face of the earth. I had to do some cyber-sleuthing to track him down (including bullying some of his personal information out of a former employer I found) and threaten to have him charged with mail fraud to get him to deliver.
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Great idea! You could also force them to ship through an FFL. Basically ask them to drop the gun with a gun shop that has an FFL so that its on the books on his end.
 
Go with a USPS MO for payment, two reasons first the seller will not have to wait for it to clear, and it is felony if Fraud occurs. If you can have it shipped from someone with a FFL, first reason less chance of fraud and second they can ship it cheaper then a individual, this will save you time, headache and money. I would also ask for and inspection period for a return if something is wrong with the weapon and ask for alot of picture.
 
Thanks for the responces guys! I found the gun on enos's forum and they guy is out of FL. Im still trying to decide if i want to buy it or just build another AR. Marshal F i did not know that about the USPS money orders i will keep that in mind for sure.
 
Don't really count on the Postal Inspectors to come swooping in to the rescue for the amount of money a typical firearms transaction includes. Those poor guys are overworked and underpaid and don't really have time to deal with these small things. They will almost always reference you to civil measures to address your greivance. :keeporder:
 
Well if someone has a decent AR set up for 3Gun thats not going to break the bank locally i would rather buy from you all or support the local economy.
 
If it is the Stag listed on Enos' sight then that guy sent a red flag up for me. His unwillingness to post the details and a picture made me run.

I was one of the one's that posted in his thread to tell him to post up details.
 
Jason said:
If it is the Stag listed on Enos' sight then that guy sent a red flag up for me. His unwillingness to post the details and a picture made me run.

I was one of the one's that posted in his thread to tell him to post up details.
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A disinclination to post pictures online isn't necessarily a sign that someone is trying to scam you. A lot of people in the gun community are just olds who are bad at computers. You see that a lot on the various Oklahoma gun forums.
 
poopgiggle said:
A disinclination to post pictures online isn't necessarily a sign that someone is trying to scam you. A lot of people in the gun community are just olds who are bad at computers. You see that a lot on the various Oklahoma gun forums.
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I agree with the old's statement. Some just don't want to take the time to learn. But he was asked about details several times and declined to put them out there and instead wanted to deal via email only. Something doesn't jive. I wouldn't chance it.

I've bought over $15,000 worth of firearms and scopes off of forums. I listen to my gut and it's telling me something isn't right.
 
poopgiggle said:
A disinclination to post pictures online isn't necessarily a sign that someone is trying to scam you. A lot of people in the gun community are just olds who are bad at computers. You see that a lot on the various Oklahoma gun forums.
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I know some gun owners in their 20's that don't and won't get on the Internet other than to check company email that us required.
I work with one highly skilled controls tech that leans that way.
 
poopgiggle said:
sup SCADA buddy.Oh elephant dung do you wear a ABB hat? I think we've met.
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It isn't me, and we have SCADA, but outside techs take care of it from corp.

I don't wear hats normally, but did spend about 4 months at ABB university in Cleveland Oh.
Couple other months at check out at the same place.
I spent a lot of time at the rock and roll hall of fame. Got to know some of the staff personal, so got to view some of the past and future stars in the "sense surround" theater
After hours.

Side note; those folks REALLY know how to party!
 
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