Determining rifle condition from auction photos. Help?

[LeverBar]

kimwcook has a post in the classifieds alerting us to this rifle.
http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/933945234.htm?wl=1#

The rifle is pretty enough,but for me, I'm looking for one in a takedown.

I do have questions below for you fellows.

Lately I've been attempting to ascertain the quality of rifles in photos on the internet auctions. Many times, the assessment I have of the condition of the wood and metal--my determinations don't match the seller's description.

I'm batting 2 for 4 on internet purchases this past year--not good! Two of the rifles were grossly misrepresented, so I'm trying to learn from my mistakes.

This one looks as if it has been sanded. The color is a bit light--needs oiling. The edges of the buttstock at the receiver are rounded. The forestock at the cap seems to be too small--sanded away? Would you experts let me know your opinion of its wood.

Also, has the receiver been steel wooled or something? Or is it possibly a replacement receiver. Its silver color surely contrasts with the blue of the loading gate.

And, what is that light blotch below the 38 in 38-55? What causes that?


Thanks fellows.

[guido4198]

I generally avoid telling folks what they oughta do, but...Since you asked...here goes:
Over the years I have been fortunate enough to own a few hi-grade firearms. While the initial contact on some of these was made over the internet, or from a print ad...I'd NEVER pay that kind of money for one without having had it in my own hands, OR..those of someone I knew well, and who I had confidence in. What I'm saying to you is, for a piece like that, where condition and originality count for a lot of it's value, there's no way I'd buy it based on a few pics. on the internet.
Whatever you decide...Good Luck, and best wishes.
Cheers,

[LeverBar]

I'm not going to buy this one. I'm trying to learn to not make any more mistakes in purchasing rifles over the internet--at least trying to improve my skills and methods to decrease the chances of being taken advantage of.

An inspection period is necessary now for me to bid on a rifle--lesson learned the hard way.

Talk to the person over the telephone if possible.

If it feels uncomfortable, don't do it.

Ask specific questions--many of them.

Request more photos--entire rifle!

If requested photos are not provided, smell the wind; might be a stench in the air.

[jdad]

How professional the dealer is, at marketing the firearm, is what matters when you are considering a high end purchase, on the internet. Compare how the other rifle you were looking at is presented to this one, then decide which one you would feel comfortable buying.

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displ ... um=8405812

[edsguns]

I have purchased many firearms via online means. Most were through "GunsAmerica". I've been disappointed only twice in perhaps 20 purchases, but I do buy a lot of NIB guns this way too. I think the description of any "collectible" firearm should include the term "original condition" or a disclaimer reference it NOT being in original or as originally produced condition. This seller references neither and your suspicions are completely valid and likely ALL correct. One last point to remember is that the "GunsAmerica" site has made some changes, most of which seem to help protect the buyer and also ALL sales there are supposed to carry a minimum 3 day inspection period which includes your ability to return misrepresented or disappointing firearms.

[Hobie]

This gun is a sorry thing for the price asked. The receiver looks to have quite a bit of pitting, the butt stock is either not original or refinished (perhaps both but if it is one or the other the result is the same). In any case finish wear isn't consistent part to part. I think it is a puzzle but less well done that something from 20Cows' "shop".

I've bought several guns from the net. I think I've been pretty good at determining condition. First, I ignore the description and look at the photos provided. Some are truly awful and I ignore those guns and look elsewhere. Of course I've made a couple of leaps of faith as well. The devil is in the details and paying attention to the details, imagining the worst (and not the hoped for) has helped. That said...

I've noticed that more and more dealers are taking their pricing cues from GunsAmerica and Gunbroker (or AuctionArms) rather from what actually sells a gun. They might not even be listing in a national venue but believe that because some yahoo (like this guy) can ASK a price for a gun in this condition, they can too. Those guys also complain about the prices of hotels, beans, and gas because their money is sitting on the table show after show.

I've got to stop now, I'm starting a rant...