Buying from Gunbroker for newbies
BayTownCat
Member Posts: 5 ✭
Hey all, I've been on Gunbroker for a few years, and just now came across the message boards. I had a few questions I thought maybe someone around here could answer.
I own a decent sized collection, and have recently entered the ---------SURPLUS--------market, albeit at the worst time possible I suppose. I don't mind using places like Gunbroker and paying a premium for these firearms because, well, they're worth imo. So given this position, what are some vet's opinions with regard to newbies buying surplus rifles on gunbroker? Advice, do's and don'ts, or general philosophies? I recently purchased a 1928 Mosin Nagant all matching (excellent condition) with most of its finish and nice bore and a 1893 mosin nagant (fin) in good shape mostly matching or all matching (hasn't arrived can't remember exactly). Solid options for beginning a surplus rifle collection?
Also, any thoughts on the membership, is it worth it, and what kind of welcome package do they offer?
Nice to meet you guys and TIA
All the best,
Scott
Comments
Its very hard to buy surplus now that its getting scare. But due your home work/ research on everything you want to bid on. There are all types of firearms from 100% correct to 100% fake. There are collector grade an shooter grade. In my opinion a shooter grade is better than a fake.
I got my start in guns because I liked military surplus. Luckily it was years ago when Dunhams Sports had surplus guns at very reasonable prices. I got my C&R license and bought from some online surplus places also. Most the deals have dried up and one of the good companies is out of business. There are plenty on here though, just know what you are buying.
If you like Mosins, like I do, here is a website with a wealth of information. One of my go to's.
http://7.62x54r.net/
I don't know about any membership, but I've only been buying & selling stuff here for 18 years. Have I missed something? All I know is, it costs $2 on your charge card to register if you want to sell anything & look up COMPLETED auctions.
When I started with MILSURPS, I bought USGI rifles from the Civilian Marksmanship Program; at the least, even if they are now out of stock, you can learn a lot there. If you buy anything from them, you can trust their description.
You probably want to get a Curios & Relics license. Check out the ATF's website.
Welcome, & have fun collecting.
Neal
EDIT: Some distributors are good to deal with. I like AIM Surplus; with a C&R license, they will ship to your home at a reasonable cost. They often have freshly imported handguns, if your state allows you to get them.
I've been here for 17 years.............bought and sold in the past. I never paid for a "membership".....
Just know what you are looking for before you bid/buy...............or sell. This is a great site.
Thanks so much for this tip.
There's a gold membership for 50 dollars per year I believe. It says it comes with a welcome package? Not sure, but thanks for the response and the welcome.
Is it worth it.......YES.
Of course it is.....its only $50 and you get live chat to customer support....you get the badge saying you are a bigger part of Gun Broker than the standard level user and it shows you take this website serious enough to actually be a gold member....you get special prices on items they offer in the gold member sales....the prize they sent me was a multitool that has been very handy.....the newsletter is great too.
Would you tip your server if it meant you got to talk to the chef, got a prize to take home and they mailed a special menu to you every week?
At Sonic?? No, probably not.
so then you think customer service should be based on the money you spend???? if you expect good customers, you should treat EACH one special
Definitely think there's a lot of merit to your opinion. Thank you for explaining it and offering potential examples of the perks. I plan on getting a membership, and agree it helps operations which benefits me in the end. At 50 bucks per year it's not a bad offer. Thanks for the response.