If a PPT failed, what then?

[Bushwack44]

Last week as I was in transit to buy a firearm off of Armslist, I was recalling the convo I had with the seller. It took him 4 days to get back to me (said his dogs were sick). Once we spoke, he wanted to meet within a couple hours at Turners but I couldn't make it. That initial conversation was strange but I said to hell with it, as long as the firearm is as described, all is good.

When we finally met, this person was NOT the same guy I spoke to on the phone (guy on phone had a slight southern accent as if he was from Alabama or Louisiana). Partly in jest I said he sounds different in person. He said I spoke to his brother because he was working at the time (first quasi-red flag).

Anyway, during further conversation and as I was inspecting the gun he just gave off bad vibes (as if he was nervous). Said some stupid things (F the cops, F the 'system', et al) that made me uneasy. I walked away from the PPT (I did like the gun). He was pissed and followed me to my car with some choice words.

I never had a bad experience with a seller or buyer. But this experience got me thinking...Has anyone done a PPT (as the buyer) and it didn't go through because either the firearm was shown to be stolen or the seller's ID proved to be bogus (I assume either scenario wouldn't appear until the 10th day)?

On a related issue, what then becomes of the firearm (and what recourse is there, if any, to get your money back...even though the seller's ID was bogus)?

[caliberetta]

... what then becomes of the firearm (and what recourse is there, if any, to get your money back...even though the seller's ID was bogus)?

If the ID was bogus, the police will be involved in investigating who it is. Even if they did find the guy, who will for sure be arrested, I doubt he will have the money to pay you back.

The firearm will be confiscated, destroyed or returned to its rightful owner if it was stolen.

Good thing you walked away from that. Got be especially careful with ARMSLIST and 0-Feedback sellers on forums... wanting to meet right away (as in NOW) is a red flag. At the meeting, the guy would have lost me at "you spoke to my brother." -- this is information that should have been disclosed during the phone call prior to the meeting, and if it was, I probably would not have met with him.

[munkeeboi]

as soon as I read "Armslist", I knew something was going to go wrong. lol

If stolen, gun probably goes to PD. No recourse to get your money back unless you have the person's address or contact info and are willing to get the money back from them. That's what makes having Itrader worth it.

For every legit firearm deal on Armslist, there are probably 100 scams. That's probably on the low side too

[daobn24]

Great question - I've never even thought of that as a buyer. I'm usually trusting of Calguns transactions but then again I've only purchase a few guns here and all were from upstanding dudes. I'm interested to find out the answer though.

[Crazycomic]

Yeah, I only have bought from Armslist from a dealer who was advertising, never from a seller. I have bought ammo before but In my experience it is usually is the seller who is a little nervous. I guess I can see being nervous too if it was a firearms transaction. Just make sure to do it at an FFL and preferably inside.

[oc16]

I have bought ammo from this website and gun broker never arms list, regardless of what you buy on the internet with a ftf transaction it is always shady. I asses the seller and determine he is not a threat I make a conversation and laugh it off. In your case the gun was probably stolen he was also nervous and the paperwork would have probably been fraudulent and would have taken off.

[stevie]

The FFL dealer will contact you and tell you there was a problem, contact the DOJ/PD for further details. The FFL dealer will not be told of the problem.

If gun was stolen, PD will take the firearm and contact the true owner that reported it stolen. PD may contact buyer and seller.

You will be out the price of the firearm and the DROS. If you are lucky, the seller will give you back your money.

Had it happen to me using local sale via gunbroker.

[reverser]

I don't know... I've met some nervous people that just weren't very good with people. They say stupid things like "screw the system" thinking that you'll think they're cool or something. It wasn't necessarily stolen, seller just could have been socially retarded. Either way, good call on your part.

[FNH5-7]

Hey,

At least your buyer didn't turn out to fail the background check and you had to drive 8+hours to get your gun back LoL, that would suck ***. I can take a few insults for justifyingly backing out, don't think I could take driving back a significant distance to get a gun back because the buyer failed the PPT.

In my time on Calguns buying or selling guns or accessories that I no longer needed, I have only come across one douchebag buyer who stole my magazines but it was partially my fault for mistakenly giving him the wrong magazines and then he never gave mine back when I sent him the correct ones.

[soulbyte]

I've used arms list to buy a couple of firearms. Haven't had a problem yet. But like everyone said, if he guys starts so raise a couple of your red flags then it's probably best to listen to yourself and leave the transaction. What has helped for me is to actually meet at the place the ppt transaction takes place. That way you're in a safe place and he can't follow you back to your car.

[Colt]

When I do transactions I always keep an ak bayonet under my jacket when I asses the seller

[BigPimping]

Armslist......alli needed to hear. You were smart to walk away OP.

[ke6guj]

I have bought ammo from this website and gun broker never arms list, regardless of what you buy on the internet with a ftf transaction it is always shady. When I do transactions I always keep an ak bayonet under my jacket when I asses the seller and determine he is not a threat I make a conversation and laugh it off. In your case the gun was probably stolen he was also nervous and the paperwork would have probably been fraudulent and would have taken off.

so, you admit to carrying a concealed dirk or dagger

[Mr. Beretta]

Armslist......alli needed to hear. You were smart to walk away OP.

x 100...............

[DSB]

I have bought ammo from this website and gun broker never arms list, regardless of what you buy on the internet with a ftf transaction it is always shady. When I do transactions I always keep an ak bayonet under my jacket when I asses the seller and determine he is not a threat I make a conversation and laugh it off. In your case the gun was probably stolen he was also nervous and the paperwork would have probably been fraudulent and would have taken off.

Seriously?

Penal Code Section 21310. Except as provided in Chapter 1 (commencing with Section
17700) of Division 2 of Title 2, any person in this state who carries
concealed upon the person any dirk or dagger is punishable by
imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or imprisonment
pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170.