[Doctor 2Brains]

I’m in the market for a NEW gun for the first time in years. My last purchase was a S&W 4506, but that’s another story...

I presume online is the cheapest way to go, so what’s the best online site?

Thanks

[clintonh8r]

If by “new” you mean new from the factory/dealer, I don’t know. But if by “new” you mean a used gun that is new to you, try ARMSLIST. It’s direct between seller and buyer, it is not an auction site. If Gunbroker is the ebay of guns, I guess you could say ARMSLIST is the craigslist of guns, but a much better organized and presented web site thn CL.

[rktman]

I’ve bought a couple of firearms through the following sites:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/

or:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/

You have to look around some but the prices can be better than local but you have to find someone (FFL) that will receive it for you at the lowest “handling” fee and in a lot/most cases you’ll still have to go through the background check. Possible sales tax savings as well.
Then there was the boating accident............

[Atlas Sneezed]

I’m in the market for a NEW gun for the first time in years.

---

I suggest considering used if the opportunity presents itself. Most name guns are excellent even when used.

Either way, if your state permits it (most freer states do) find a gun from a private party in your own state. You can deal face to face, and have no record of the transaction.

The sites let you search by state of phone area code, so that helps to find them.

[fini]

If you want to buy locally (Like Craigslist, it has sites for every state and many local areas) from private sellers, use:

http://www.armslist.com.

You still really need to know what you are buying is worth, because some people like to try to sell their used gun for more than a new gun. Gun dealers can also list guns on Armslist. I found a really low margin gun dealer that is local based upon their listings in Armslist, e.g. $99 AR15 lower receivers.

You will also be surprised at the number of people that list their weapons for sale, but will not return answers to any of your inquires. Having said that you will also meet some really good people and good deals on some esoteric weapons.

[OldMissileer]

I presume online is the cheapest way to go, so what’s the best online site?

I have an account with three: Gunbroker.com, Gunauction.com, and Gunsamerica.com.

Gunsamerica is mostly way too expensive and I have yet to purchase anything off that site. I have several transactions off of Gunauction but am a regular purchaser off of Gunbroker and I have yet to be disappointed.

I have purchased everything from firearms to magazines, ammo and gun parts off of Gunbroker. They even have a page where you can find an FFL dealer to complete any transaction that requires one. I already have a friend who owns a range so I just use him but they have a pretty extensive listing of FFL holders in your area via typing in your zip code.

When you see the prices remember to look at the shipping and your fee for the processing of the FFL transfer to see how cost effective it is to buy. Sometimes the difference is so small I just buy from my local dealer and other times I save a ton of money.

[El Laton Caliente]

There is not single answer to your question. It depends heavily on what firearm you are in the market for...

Post or PM me what you are looking at and I’ll try and get you a few good sites to look at.

Gunbroker.com has a good reputation because they track trader ratings. If you are dealing with a party that has 100s of successful trades with a high rating you can be pretty confident in your purchase. I’ve made more than 50 successful purchases there.

Arms list has no rating system and there are a lot scammers. Every caution that applies to Craig’s List applies to Arms List. I would not buy off that site except in person. The one time I did, an internet buddy off one of the gun message boards picked up the items and mailed them to me.