Been watching a ruger Blackhawk on armslist and I think I've found the one I want. How safe is it to purchase a gun on armslist and what do I have to look out for?
Dealing on Armslist can be very safe and easy, as long as you are careful and follow some simple rules. I have met many fantastic people through armslist and have found great deals. I find it best to always ask to speak with the buyer/seller on the phone. Tell the seller you have specific questions and would like to speak verbally. There is alot you can learn about a person in a 10 minute call. Meet in a public location, during the day, in a familiar part of town. If a seller will only agree to meet you at their house, or in some isolated area, best to avoid. I always chose to meet in LGS or Gander parking lots.
Be sure to ask the seller, beforehand, if they have any problem issuing a bill of sale and if they will provide you with their driver's license or CC permit.
If they are nice on the phone, agree to meet in a safe area, will issue a bill of sale and are comfortable providing you with their CC permit or DL, then, in my opinion, you'll be fine.
Hope that helps,
chris
Do you guys only deal with those who will provide a BOS?
Absolutely. If the firearm is legitimate then the seller should have no problem providing a bill of sale. Keep in mind, if the firearm is stolen, or worse, had been used to commit a crime and you purchase without a BOS, just the simple fact of it being found in your possession will make you a suspect and you will be taken to court. Remember, the jury has no idea where or when you got the firearm (because in this case you will have no proof).
If you are found with a stolen firearm, or one that was used, lets say, to commit an armed robbery or homicide and you had enough foresight to collect a bill of sale, then the bill of sale is concrete evidence that you legally and unknowingly purchased a hot firearm, and were in no way associated with the crime.
You may be getting a great deal, but I'll spend a little bit more to play it safe.
Not saying you're wrong. But do you have any proof of this actually happening? Just curious.
Be sure to ask the seller, beforehand, if they have any problem issuing a bill of sale and if they will provide you with their driver's license or CC permit.
If they are nice on the phone, agree to meet in a safe area, will issue a bill of sale and are comfortable providing you with their CC permit or DL, then, in my opinion, you'll be fine.
Soo, if the firearm were stolen or used during a crime , wouldn't it be confiscated & returned to the owner or locked up for evidence. I believe I would want something to go back on... Maybe be able to get my money back? Or is it too bad, so sad?
I would never do business with you. I don't leave my information written down for strangers. You aren't a business, and my information isn't protected. I don't want anyone from a random selling site (cragslist, armslist, etc...) being able to track me down and steal my stuff as they now know what I've purchased (in some cases, expensive firearms).
Also, it's not a requirement to provide a bill of sale if you're found to be in posession of a stolen firearm or one that was used in a crime. Indiana law does not require a bill of sale, FFL checks, etc... for personal sales. Would it help? Yes. But they aren't going to convict you just for being in posession (especially if you're claiming you purchased it after said crime) unless other evidence is against you.
OP, you're fine as long as you treat it like a craigslist purchase. Use some common sense and protect yourself. For the most part, I think armslist is relatively safe since everyone is dealing with firearms, and I'd say the majority of people biuying/selling OC or CC. Gun people aren't exactly the target for criminals. I'm personally more concerned when I go to a craigslist transaction.
Also, this is Indiana law I'm talking about for in state sellers/buyers only. Know your own state laws, or consult a lawyer. Purchases outside of state borders commonly require forms, FFL checks, etc... Don't skirt the law with firearm sales/purchases unless you want to end up serving jail time. BATFE frequents these websites, and has been known to inquire to see if you're trying to do illegal things.
Just remember, if it feels fishy, walk away.
Soo, if the firearm were stolen or used during a crime , wouldn't it be confiscated & returned to the owner or locked up for evidence. I believe I would want something to go back on... Maybe be able to get my money back? Or is it too bad, so sad?
Yes, and we're talking "beyond reasonable doubt." I'd like to see your source where someone was convicted solely based on being in posession of a weapon that was used in a crime, claiming they purchased it after the crime, and no other evidence was used to convict them.
You're going a bit overboard, MSS. Lots of us do transactions with no bill of sale, and I've yet to hear of anyone getting convicted based on your outlandish scenario.
And no, I'm not even going to sign something for a random person. You can go pretty far with someones signature.
If you are adamant about having the transaction documented, the only way I'd do that would be for the buyer to pay to have the transaction go through an FFL transfer.
Thanks for the advice.
This would be a long distance deal if it happens. The seller is in Wisconsin and I'm in Ohio so meeting them in person would be difficult. I did give the guy my phone number and email. I asked in the email for more information about the gun, payment method, and shipping but haven't heard back from him. What, in your opinion, would be the best payment method to be safe for both parties?