Armslist.com

[JimWest]

Anyone familiar with it or made any purchases? I've made inquiries about some items listed on there from various people and never received replies.

[kcheung2]

caveat emptor. It's the wild west, and not in any good way. You're better off with the CGN marketplace, gunbroker, gunsamerica, etc.

[SLO1911Fan]

I've been on there some over the last year. I have yet to purchase anything, but around half the people I've contacted with questions have replied. You do have to know that it isn't the best place to buy anything. There are few regulations, and once you send money off you may never see it again. That being said I've talked to people who were willing to send the guns to my FFL to be verified then have me send payment. There were several scam/sting advertisements for named assault weapons and similar things in the local LA section a month or so ago.

[JimWest]

Confirms my suspicions. Much obliged.

[Ubermcoupe]

I've gotten a few deals but I almost got burned (I got lucky) on an m1a purchase last summer.

Kcheung is right, it's full of scammers.

Lots of false ads with stolen (copied) Pictures or descriptions.
If you can't get a clear, legible, grammatically correct answer then run. If you can't get them in the phone, run.

If you can complete the transaction FTF then I say go for it.

[gigglemonkee]

Lots of scammers but some who are honest. I just bought a few guns off there but I won't buy a gun through the mail. They were local and we met no problem. Have also sold guns there. Found my shield of all things there and at a great orice

[smith and wesson]

I've made 2 sales there. Would not buy there. Most things are overpriced and the ones that aren't are probably scams. Calguns on the other hand has been a breeze.

[Gottmituns]

I beg to differ.
Back in August I purchased a Bersa 380 with 2 extra mags, and 250 rounds for $200 @ Armslist

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=808622

[jmpgnr24k]

I've made a couple of deals over Armslist, but FTF is probably the only way to deal with that kind of site. Especially for large purchases.

[OIF0708]

I have made several purchases off of AL. I always TALK to them on the phone, no texting crap. We set a time if info and photos look good. Meet up, look over item(s) and make a deal if all is in order. Having it there in your hands to hold and look over is the deal maker/breaker.
I have also sold items on AL, done by same SOP as above.
I would never mail anything, money or item, just not worth it to me.

[Tasty]

Use common sense, and I wouldn't ever send money. I'd meet up FTF if I could arrange a good time and place to meet though.

[VoxVeritasVita]

Dangerous marketplace. Agree with Kcheung, stick to CalGuns and GB.

[obiwan]

Check for other listings by the same seller, most of the knuckle heads list multiple ads in different states under the same account, dead give away.

Offer to meet FTF, that will scare them away if they are scamming you.

Another fun way to mess with them is ask for a custom photo of the item, do something like, I want to see a photo of the item, on the table, with a spoon and fork on the right side, a butter knife on the left and a post it note on the plate that reads dinner is served with today's date.

[kermit315]

I have sold guns on there, and look to buy if I find a deal. I have never had a problem. I always meet at a neutral location, just to be on the safe side, though.

[Renegade1]

I would be careful with Armslist. Some guy on there tried to sell me a gun that I had just bought from someone else.