Safely Using the Classified Ads

[Griz]

Hello All: I'm thinking of buying a rifle from one of the classified ads. What is the safest and most convenient way to pay for the rifle and also be sure I receive the rifle (my FFL will actually receive the rifle). How do I know this isn't a scam? Thank you.

 

[BRICKBURN]

Who's selling it?

 

[Griz]

Hello Brickburn: Does it matter? Shouldn't it be the same for anyone? I have my eye on the beautiful CZ .450 Rigby offered by Voodooracer. I've never purchased a gun from anyone but a gun broker, i.e., an FFL holder. and they are 100% safe.

 

[TOBY458]

Hello Brickburn: Does it matter? Shouldn't it be the same for anyone? I have my eye on the beautiful CZ .450 Rigby offered by Voodooracer. I've never purchased a gun from anyone but a gun broker, i.e., an FFL holder. and they are 100% safe.

I would say it does matter. If it's an established member with a lot of posts, I would definitely feel better about it. If it's a "new member" such as yourself, I would definitely ask for plenty of pictures besides what they post here. And ask a lot of pertinent questions as well.

 

[BRICKBURN]

For instance, you are brand new. I would not send you without a whole lot more information.
I'd trust @Royal27 (and quite a few others around the world who are members here) with cash and his word and the rifle would be at my door sooner than later.

Have a read:

https://www.africahunting.com/help/posting/

https://www.africahunting.com/help/terms/

Buyer Beware.
AH does not screen members.
We will (and I have) ban shady characters though.

 

[Ray B]

There is always a chance that someone is unscrupulous and will cheat, however I have made several purchases on AH and have never had a problem- quite the opposite- the sellers that I have had contact with were very honest and straight-forward. As a safe guard one thing that can be done is look at the sellers history. but the cheating can go both ways. My preference is to pay for something with a personal check, made out to the seller. The seller will need to endorse it and the check will return to my bank. So I have a record of the sale. These purchases are made with the understanding that the seller will not ship the item until the funds from the check have cleared- which anymore, thanks to computerized banking is generally in a day or so; however I have no problem with the seller waiting a week or 10 days to ship, but most want to get the item gone, so is sooner.

 

[flatwater bill]

Somebody that has been a member on this website for years, with hundreds of posts, is probably not going to want 56,000 members to know that they are a liar and a cheat. But somebody that has been here all day.?..........just sayin...........FWB

 

[gillettehunter]

The last couple of items that I have sold I have taken a short video with my phone and texted it to prospective buyers. They seem to like that. Crooks usually don't have the item that they want to sell. Ask them to include a detail of some sort or date card that would be hard to fake. That can help a bit.
Bruce

 

[Wheels]

I'd trust @Royal27

 

[Griz]

Thank you all for your replies and suggestions. Great advice! I'm new to this site, but I can already tell that it is loaded with good, honest, knowledgeable and very sincere individuals. I now feel 100% confident with any purchases I make from this site (of which I am going to do right now). Thank you!