re: Buying guns online

Bud's Gun Shop and Grab a Gun are 2 good ones.

I've bought a number of guns online and the only time I was disappointed was w/ "Gunbuyer.com." They charged my card one day after the purchase, but after 12 days they'd yet to ship it. I found out the gun I ordered was no longer in stock. I sent a demand email: ship the purchased gun that day or cancel order and issue full refund (their stated policy in the FAQ's section was to charge a 10% fee if the order is changed after placing it). They issued refund that day and did not charge the 10% fee. I've been happy w/ Buds and KY Gun Company. The online auction sites generally seem more expensive to me than online stores. Don't forget to check the shipping fee. Be aware whether the gun is currently in stock or not. Most ship free, but some may charge up to $30 for shipping. If you purchase from a store not in LA, you'll not have to pay LA sales tax. Research their policies closely. I've never dealt w/ an online store that doesn't accept credit cards. OTOH, some do charge an extra 3% fee to use a credit card. Again, I do NOT recommend "Gunbuyer.com."

Ive bought several from Bud's Guns and never once had a lick of trouble. Also I've bought aa few off Gunbroker that always went well too

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I've just never done it.

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That's what the girl at the picnic said.

I've used Gunbuyer.com on several occasions and experienced no problems at all; lowest price, no credit card fee and free shipping. Hopefully that was a one time aberration.

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Looking at an AR from tombstone tactical. Anyone have experience with them? Cash price is $30 cheaper. How do you get a cash payment to them? Any way to do it electronically?

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I've used them before and had no problems.I've always used cc to purchase online just in case.I'm sure if you call them they could walk you through it.

Damn local-yocals still think they're the only game in town.

I've bought from Buds, PSA, Hinterlands outfitters, and gunbroker. Come to think of it I've only purchased one pistol from a brick and mortar shop

Never had a bad experience. Call local FFL dealers and see who has the cheapest transfer fee. I paid around $25 each time

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Any tips on buying guns online? Is it even worth it for a more common gun that I could probably find used at a local shop? I notice a lot want either money orders, I feel hesitant to pay like this. At least with a credit card I'm somewhat protected. Any sites that are more trustworthy than others?

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Based on these terms (bold print), I'm going to speculate you're on Gunbroker, looking at used firearms.

I've done this, and things I can relay about my experience:
for CERTAIN ITEMS, you absolutely can't beat the online deals looking locally.

Example- CDIsales, otherwise known as Coles Distributing, sells on Gunbroker, and uses it basically as a storefront. They seem to specialize on used pistols imported from Israel, and they severely undercut almost everyone else on price. I've bought 3 pistols from them over the years, and haven't been able to come close locally to matching it, if I even see a used model here. And even with shipping and FFL transfer, I still come out ahead.
Here's what I got from them-
1) a FEG HiPower clone, reparkerized. Got it from CDIsales for $200, figure $250 all said and done (and it's probably cheaper). I've seen identical models at Jim's Firearms in BR in the used section, well over $400.

2) CZ 75, older pre B style, $300. Worn finish but great function and a tack driver. I rarely (if ever) see a used CZ, and the new ones are over $500 in stores locally.

3) Zastava CZ 99 (the 9mm pistol, not the 22lr rifle), $200. I have never seen one new or used locally. A solid gun, 100% functional, bears a very strong resemblance to the Sig P226, especially the older ones from W Germany.

Just my opinion/experience, you won't find local options to meet this if that's the gun you are looking for. Used= no warranty... no sweat. Since these are surplus guns, they work already (as long as they are advertised as such). Yes, parts may break, but they are available.

CDI takes credit cards.

Regarding the individual sellers on Gunbroker who ask for money orders, do a little homework before you commit to buy.
If it's a frequent seller (they have sold other guns and have more listed), check their feedback. Gunbroker is pretty good about this. They also should list return conditions.
If it's a gun you can get locally for within $50, you're better off buying local, in that you can at least inspect it before buying.
Regarding "warranty", check what the brand offers. Smith and Wesson, and I believe a couple of others, warrant the gun, not just the first owner (or at least, they used to). I have several of them, used, and in the one time I needed something, all they asked me was model and serial number. Sent me the replacement part without question.

Regarding money orders: use USPS. If you fill everything out on the form you save, you are protected: it is guaranteed to be cashed by the intended receipient. If it is not cashed (say, lost in the mail), it is covered. It does take a little longer to complete the transaction, and you have to buy a stamp too, but it isn't a terrible risk. I've bought 2 guns like this, and both transactions went well, no problems.

I've bought online from stores, and online from gunbroker. Never had a problem, ever. Gun has always met or exceeded the description, and has been a good value each time, relative to the market.