People have bought and sold firearms for 100’s of years. Today either directly from a manufacturer or dealer or long ago from the General Store when they went to town for their monthly supplies.
When I was young firearms could be ordered from an ad in the back of a magazine or the most wonderful of all publications the “Sears Catalog”. If you could save the money and get your Mom or Dad to write a check, a box would soon show up on your doorstep.
Today we have the internet, a virtual unlimited source of information to assist us. Many people look up historical information or specifications on guns they own, or would like to own. There are forums for all types of the shooting sports, specific forums for a certain brand or model, country of origin, or period of time.
Remember anything you read on the internet is often influenced by personal preference. It goes with saying that if you surveyed the members of the Glock Owners Forum what handgun is the best, you could reasonably predict the outcome of that Poll.
One area that is often brought up the anti-gun groups is “Internet Sales”. You would think that there were websites called “Illegal Guns are Us” , “No Questions Asked Gun Sales” or “We Ship Em – You Shoot Em”
Internet sales and auction sites such as E-Bay has spawned similar sights for firearms, accessories and ammunition. In addition to typical websites for companies that previously used printed sales methods such as flyers, direct mail, and catalogs there are now stand alone online auctions.
Years ago if you were looking for a particular firearm you were limited to stores withing your immediate area or major stores with a national presence. There was often no way to connect with someone clear across the country that has a mint shape or NIB (New in the Box) rifle or shotgun you have looking years to purchase.
Enter “Gunbroker.com” which is often used synonomously for online gun auctions just as “Kleenex” is used for Facial Tissues.
There are several large auctions sites such GunsAmerica, Armslist, Gallery of Guns, Dury’s, etc… These offer both used and new guns while others help people find guns that are in-stock for delivery to a dealer.
The one thing they all have in common is that they follow the rules for legal gun sales. Whether you are a seller or buyer the transactions must take place through a Federal Firearms Licensed Dealer.
If you find a gun that a private individual is selling you enter into a bidding contest with others that are interested in acquiring it. If you win the auction, the method of payment is determined, you provide the FFL information to the seller who confirms it and the gun is shipped to the dealer.
When you go to pick up the firearm, the dealer performs the required paperwork (form 4473) and the NICS background check by calling the FBI and confirming your eligibility.
You also must conform to any required State or local regulations. If your state has a 3 day or 10 day waiting period then you must wait the appropriate time. If a handgun registration must be performed you are required to fulfill that requirement. The entire procedure is that same as if you just walked in off the street to purchase a firearm from the dealer’s stock.
You may find a bargain, or a rare gun to fill that hole in your collection, be careful I have seen guns go for twice what they’re worth.