Your best internet gun source??

[Redcoat3340]

Wondering where folks go to buy guns online.

Of course Gunbroker. And Armslist (either locally or nationally). And the dealers (AIM, SOG, CDNN, others?) But how about auctions, I've never tried or even hardly looked at them as a source...but don't know if I'm missing the boat big time.

So, if you had to choose one source each for Dealers; Classifieds; and Auctions in each of three categories, either new or better yet used, which would it be for, lets say:

- Pistols and Revolvers,
- Shotguns and Hunting Rifles
- Milsurps (rifles or handguns)

(Of course, if you're not into any particular category, skip it. I, for instance, focus on 9mm pistols, .38 revolvers, and milsurp rifles. I figured I'd give this as broad a scope as possible to get as many suggestions as possible.)

I know there's a great range of sources, not only the usual suspects ala Gunbroker, but local or statewide gun forums such as two I belong to and have had good luck on, Long Island (NY) Firearms and WAGuns.org). If local sites are your go-to places, list 'em.

I figure there's a lot more sources than most of us habitually go to, and thought maybe folks could share their "secret" spots.

 

[Wonder9]

Try invaluable.com

They list hundreds of auctions houses and many of them specialize in firearms. Read the fine print there are Internet premiums that can quickly wash away any good deals. Enjoy.

 

[v35]

I never had a bad experience with anyone, but Bud's Gun Shop has recently become one of my favorites. Everything they did has been flawless. Prices are about as good as you are likely to find anywhere. Free two day shipping and plenty of FFLs already on file. Real human beings will actually answer the phone if you need them - and you won't need them.

 

[Deog]

Davidsons gallaryofguns.com

 

[Warp]

Buds
Grab a gun

 

[Red Wind]

Another vote for Buds. A trusted source.

 

[MaterDei]

kygunco and whittaker guns are my two favorites. Also like AIM for milsurp.

 

[Twiki357]

I’ve had good luck at my local pawn shop. It requires a visit about once a week.

I also check the online listings on Backpage.com for private sales. My local Arizona Backpage has a lot of both personal and commercial listings.

 

[IL Guns]

I like to check slickguns.com and go from there. I have never had a bad experience with Buds, I have bought many guns from Davidsons but I did have a problem with one of their "new" dealers. Bryan Tucker, Davidsons CEO took care of it personally but the whole experience has made me very wary of LGSs that I don't normally do business with. I usually check slickguns.com each morning and see who has what and for how much. I have gotten some surprisingly good deals on there.

 

[flyingtiger85]

KyGun company/Tombstone Tactical exclusively! A+

 

[il.bill]

I like to check slickguns.com and go from there. ...

HUH - that is generally my first stop too.

Maybe there is just something in the water in Illinois!?

 

[TruthTellers]

Slickguns baby. I'll find the UPC for a gun, ammo, or magazine I want and slickguns finds me a list of retailers who sells it, for what price, and the shipping cost. They aren't an all encompassing search, but they're the best place to start.

I will say that slickguns is pretty weak when it comes to black powder percussion guns. If I want to look up the best prices for a Dragoon, they're the worst place to look.

Then if it's something I want to check the used price for, I'll head over to Gunbroker. GB is great because there will always be used guns for sale there that are no longer manufactured. It's pretty much the only place to get an out of production gun in my case; the local shops stock very little used and gun shows around here are pretty much current production guns only.

EDIT: I've tried Davidson's GOG in the past and I hated it. Awful search engine, I never want to use it again.

 

[Speedo66]

I've used Bud's, and was satisfied with them. I looked at Davidson's, but they ship to local dealers picked through them who still want to charge an FFL fee, plus they set the price and charge tax.

If I buy through Bud's, it's free shipping, a lower price, and I only pay a local FFL fee, the dealer doesn't add local tax. I also found Bud's site easier to navigate, and they had more items in stock.

Locally, Armslist has been handy when I wanted to sell or trade items.

 

[drband]

I've had good luck with tooele shooting supply.
Tooeleshootingsupply.com
The also have a warehouse site with expanded inventory.
And, you can talk with a live person in the shop when you call!

 

[kcofohio]

Buds, Grabagun, and J&G Sales have been really good about their shipping time and cost.

It's a tossup between Bud's and Grabagun on pricing.

J&G seems to have a wider variety of used guns. But that may vary.

 

[mdauben]

I've used Bud's, and was satisfied with them. I looked at Davidson's, but they ship to local dealers picked through them who still want to charge an FFL fee, plus they set the price and charge tax.

If I buy through Bud's, it's free shipping, a lower price, and I only pay a local FFL fee, the dealer doesn't add local tax. I also found Bud's site easier to navigate, and they had more items in stock.

Locally, Armslist has been handy when I wanted to sell or trade items.

I normally just shop locally as I have access to several good shops, but the couple times I've ordered things I could not find locally I've found Davidson's system very easy. I suppose I could save a few more dollars if I did more myself, but Davidson's has a network of local shops they work through with saves me the trouble of arranging a local FFL to accept delivery and send the online dealer a copy of their licence. I just order on the Davidson website and pick it up a couple days later at one of my local gun shops. Easy peasy!

 

[hso]

Since we have a sidebar on guns popular with criminals, I recommend finding out what local gun shop (typically the LE supplier) buys the evidence sales of firearms from your local government and chatting with them about what they are finding have been sold from the evidence rooms. Back when I was privy to this information it was not what LEs carried.

 

[Warp]

Since we have a sidebar on guns popular with criminals, I recommend finding out what local gun shop (typically the LE supplier) buys the evidence sales of firearms from your local government and chatting with them about what they are finding have been sold from the evidence rooms. Back when I was privi to this information it was not what LEs carried.

Agree. The common theme...cheap. And more cheap. Is what I saw in the past.

 

[ColoradoShooter77]

CDNN sports for me.

 

[Wishoot]

No particular order of preference...

Buds
Grabagun
Aim Surplus
CDNN
KyGunCo

 

[Traffer]

Would Armslist apply? Seems to have a good variety and if you are savvy you can get a good deal. (But I would only shop there. The purchase would have to be in driving distance.)

 

[centag]

As far as Armslist goes...I have sold about four gun there with good results. I took the chance and purchased two and got good deals (LNIB 681 ND 4" w/ brand new S&W holster for $600) Now I remember buying a model 627 after I checked the seller's bona fides.

My best deal have been at a local gun shop that is totally in the dark about revolver prices. I love them! They don't get too many S&W wheel guns in but when they do I am all over them. And the staff is friendly, good range. I hope it stays this way. They treat me great.

About four weeks ago I noticed a Colt Cobra 1st issue with carved grips. Consignment $595.00. Had them call the owner and got it for $500 plus tax etc. The grips must have been bought used somewhere. They were marked $15.00 on the back but they were honest to God Ivory. They were made for right hand carry and I am a lefty. Sold them last night for $950.00

 

[Warp]

Would Armslist apply? Seems to have a good variety and if you are savvy you can get a good deal. (But I would only shop there. The purchase would have to be in driving distance.)

.

Not really. That would be like saying Craigslist is your favorite online washing machine source

 

[stchman]

I use the two primarily:

Bud's Gun Shop
CDNN

I have used AIM Surplus, J&G Sales, CTD, Centerfire Guns, Classic Arms, and Gunbuyer before as well.

 

[giggitygiggity]

My favorite is AIM Surplus. I've bought a lot of C&R firearms through AIM. I also use JGSales, Southern Ohio Gun, and Classic Firearms.

Southern Ohio Gun bugs me because they charge a 3% fee if you use a card and they have a bunch of ridiculous fees like signature fees, rural delivery fees, and other nonsense that nobody except them charges.