Every now and then, it’s time to let a gun go. Maybe you’re funding the purchase of a bigger and better firearm… or maybe you’ve just hit a rough patch in the road of life and need to raise a few bucks by doffing an unused old piece from your collection. Let’s cover 4 of the best ways to sell your guns online.
While some of the below options are geared towards maximal CYA (cover your ass, legally speaking) some are a little more hands-off. Use discretion and stay safe, as there are scams out there in the gun world, just as in every other aspect of financial interaction.
The granpappy of online gun sales, Gunbroker first came on the scene in 1999. Still one of the most popular ways to sell, Gunbroker’s auction site layout is great for those looking to sell (as long as they’re not in a hurry). The items listed on Gunbroker go way past handguns and rifles, there’s also machine guns, destructive devices, ammo and even vehicles.
Also, check out Gunauction.com and Budsgunshop.com
A more recent addition to the online selling stable, Armslist was established in 2007. It’s more of a straightforward “classified ad” styled layout provides somewhat cleaner results than with Gunbroker, though many fewer ads to be sure. This has been a great spot to find small parts or accessories not found elsewhere, such as discontinued items. They’re usually included in a package deal, with the sellers willing to part out their item. Think of Armslist as a nationwide craigslist for guns. Variety isn’t as bountiful as Gunbroker, but a good spot to sell.
Forums:
For some, this is an obvious choice; for others not so much. While the audience size on the sales section of a forum won’t ever rival that of Gunbroker, it’s all about targeting the right crowd. If you’re selling in the Equipment Exchange section of AR15.com for example, your gun will be in a specific subsection that is going to have a much higher percentage of motivated buyers than just tire-kickers. Given the more prevalent use of feedback ratings tied to your user account, selling on forums is a pretty safe way to handle your business. Just be sure to hammer out all the details before finalizing the deal and always ship insured.
Check AR15.com, 300blktalk.com, 1911.com, Glocktalk.com
Social Media:
“But wait! ” you may say, “Facebook (and the like) don’t allow gun sales!”. True, but that doesn’t mean they don’t happen all the time. Using double-secret (and hilariously misnamed) trading groups who use practices and policies dedicated to keeping their names off the Zuck’s radar, there are plenty of opportunities for offloading items (especially non-serialized parts and accessories) on Facebook. More common than direct sales are conversational meet-ups with like-minded citizens, who continue the conversation in a more private venue.
Check out REDACTED, CENSORED and OMITTED.
There you have it. While nothing revolutionary has come about in terms of online person-to-person gun sales, there are still ample ways to make your transaction happen. What I haven’t covered here is the various payment methods, with their corresponding risks associated therein. While sneakily using PayPal Friends and Family is the most common method, it offers zero protection as Paypal is virulently anti-gun. Using USPS money orders and USPS shipping gives you a “nexus”, and thus access to USPS fraud investigators if needed. Do research on whatever payment method you decide to use, make sure you’ve got your back covered. While the gun-owning public is famously trustworthy, there are shills and scammers lurking. Stay safe!
