Armslist and Gunbroker?

catscratch

Well-Known Member
I'm in the market for a gun... I always like to hold and possibly shoot guns before I buy them, but I'm having trouble finding this particular one locally. Never bought off of Gunbroker or Armslist before but I might have to this time. Any hints or info I should know? It spooks me to order something so costly sight unseen.
 
Always search here first: https://www.wikiarms.com/

If it's new, https://www.cdnnsports.com/ has some of the best deals on the net. There's really no danger to buying new guns from a distant store. They have to ship to a local FFL so shipping and transfer fees can eat up a good deal quick.

If buying used, it's like anything else, it might be misrepresented. So ask for lots of pictures before you commit. Most people selling their used collection via forums like Beretta, Glock, HK, AR15.com, etc aren't going to risk a felony stiffing you.
 
Always search here first: https://www.wikiarms.com/

If it's new, https://www.cdnnsports.com/ has some of the best deals on the net. There's really no danger to buying new guns from a distant store. They have to ship to a local FFL so shipping and transfer fees can eat up a good deal quick.

If buying used, it's like anything else, it might be misrepresented. So ask for lots of pictures before you commit. Most people selling their used collection via forums like Beretta, Glock, HK, AR15.com, etc aren't going to risk a felony stiffing you.
Awesome, you seem to know stuff! I'll get more specific; 1911, pre WW2, marked "property of United States" or "US Army", preferably wood grips. Suggested places to look?

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Awesome, you seem to know stuff! I'll get more specific; 1911, pre WW2, marked "property of United States" or "US Army", preferably wood grips. Suggested places to look?

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Those can be very expensive. I was in the hunt for an original 1911 a long time ago. I found one at a gun show that was one of the first 3000 or so ever made (like WWI). Dude wanted $4000 for it. I'd be careful about paying any premium on them. The military used to mix and match parts on them so much that they aren't "original" any longer.
 
Those can be very expensive. I was in the hunt for an original 1911 a long time ago. I found one at a gun show that was one of the first 3000 or so ever made (like WWI). Dude wanted $4000 for it. I'd be careful about paying any premium on them. The military used to mix and match parts on them so much that they aren't "original" any longer.
I'm not interested in "numbers matching original" for collection. In fact I want something I can shoot and carry on occasion. It shouldn't be a show piece, but I do want some American history. No premium going to be paid by this guy.

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Looks like you were a year too late, CMP sold 8000 to them to 19,000 applicants. Some are are on their auction....one is currently going for $2667! http://cmpauction.thecmp.org/

Google 1911 forums and become a member of the top ones. Some of them have classified sections, but if not, joining in the conversation might get you a lead. AR15.com has an equipment exchange section that's very robust. Buds Guns is a pretty big online store as well.
 
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I'm not interested in "numbers matching original" for collection. In fact I want something I can shoot and carry on occasion. It shouldn't be a show piece, but I do want some American history. No premium going to be paid by this guy.
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I have the same interests you've got. I love those post civil war guns (single action army, 1911, lever carbines). I wish I had the brains to get an AK and an SKS before those went insanely high. I once found an M1 carbine in Bismarck but the guy wanted $1600 and it was in tough shape. Those days of surplus pallet boxes drenched in cosmoline must be long gone.

Here's a 1911 I've had on my wish list for a long time. Just seems to never make it to the top. A volume dealer had these at one time for around $800. He doesn't stock them now. Can't even give guns away with Donald in office.

1911.PNG
 
Looks like you were a year too late, CMP sold 8000 to them to 19,000 applicants. Some are are on their auction....one is currently going for $2667! http://cmpauction.thecmp.org/

Google 1911 forums and become a member of the top ones. Some of them have classified sections, but if not, joining in the conversation might get you a lead. AR15.com has an equipment exchange section that's very robust. Buds Guns is a pretty big online store as well.
I've looked at the CMP site. I know a couple of guys who got those last year. Would be pretty cool to win that lotto!

I just checked Buds Guns and didn't find anything. I'll check AR's site soon.

Thanks.

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I have the same interests you've got. I love those post civil war guns (single action army, 1911, lever carbines). I wish I had the brains to get an AK and an SKS before those went insanely high. I once found an M1 carbine in Bismarck but the guy wanted $1600 and it was in tough shape. Those days of surplus pallet boxes drenched in cosmoline must be long gone.

Here's a 1911 I've had on my wish list for a long time. Just seems to never make it to the top. A volume dealer had these at one time for around $800. He doesn't stock them now. Can't even give guns away with Donald in office.

View attachment 16709
My dad has a M1. Was just another gun for many years... not anymore! He also has an AK. My boy has an SKS. I remember when you could buy boxes of them at the pawn shop for $89 each. Wish I would have kept a few of them that I had.

That 1911 you are after is pretty darn nice!

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So is there a reason not to use Armslist? I've found quite a few specimens of what I'm after on the site. I'm just leery of online orders. :(

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I had a really nice original military M1 carbine back when I was in my early 20’s I got at a gun show for $100. Even killed 2 deer with it with those old peep sights...wish I still had it.
 
I have a Universal .30 Carbine that I literally haven’t shot in 20 years. Too many other guns I guess.

I’ve both bought and sold on Gunbroker. I think it’s pretty safe, especially when you can contact the seller to ask for more pics or have specific questions. Good luck finding a good original 1911, most folks ain’t turning them loose.
 
So is there a reason not to use Armslist? I've found quite a few specimens of what I'm after on the site. I'm just leery of online orders. :(

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I bought a springfield SDX off of Armslist a few years ago. No problems at all. The seller was an FFL and I had it sent to my FFL.
 
I bought my new deer rifle (Howa Gamekeeper package in 308) off grab-a-gun. I had attended a local gun show and had a real good idea what I was getting. Like you the last thing I wanted to do was put that sort of money into something and then not like it. I found exactly what I ended up buying just in a different caliber. In a 1911 - they are all the same for the most part....so as long as your getting something in the same barrel length and capacity and caliber I wouldn't expect any real surprises.

Just know who's FFL your using before you order to ensure you have all of that worked out in advance. Some guys are pretty cool about it...some are difficult because they don't make any money on the sale itself. Most gun shop places can't compete with the internet prices....

1911..... I have a matte stainless colt 1911 combat target model in 45acp. Is/was my primary carry weapon. I worked with a guy who had his FFL at the time and could get things direct from the manufacturers at a steep discounted price. I bought my colt 1911 and my Browing A-bolt rifle thru him both for about 1/2 the retail price.
 
I have had good luck with Gunbroker, but usually I’m buying from established dealers there, so little risk.

My only beef is why so many sellers selling walnut stocked long guns will only provide stock photos. I want to know what the wood looks like.
 
Is this the one you’re looking for?

IMG_0084.JPG

I inherited this one from my great grandfather and I’m not sure where he got it from, or how he got it. I looked up the serial number and it was manufactured in 1918. The cost of a similar pistol if you could even find one was north of $2500 at the time, but that as a few years ago now. It’s a fun gun to shoot because of the history of it, but I couldn’t make myself carry it daily. It ain’t light by any means.

I would check at a local gun show if you know of any and see if any of the dealers there know of any that are available.
 
Is this the one you’re looking for?

View attachment 16760

I inherited this one from my great grandfather and I’m not sure where he got it from, or how he got it. I looked up the serial number and it was manufactured in 1918. The cost of a similar pistol if you could even find one was north of $2500 at the time, but that as a few years ago now. It’s a fun gun to shoot because of the history of it, but I couldn’t make myself carry it daily. It ain’t light by any means.

I would check at a local gun show if you know of any and see if any of the dealers there know of any that are available.
Yes! That is what I'm looking for!

You have a beautiful gun with an awesome story and some mystic surrounding it. Congrats.

Funny you should mention gun shows. I spent some time online today searching for upcoming events. I will order one if I have to, but I would much rather hold one in hand before buying. I've given all the local shops my number just in case one comes in. It's funny... I never had trouble finding one to drool over when I didn't have cash.

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