[GrtWhytHype]

Figured all you C&R guys would know better than I. I was interested in looking at going to a couple auctions in the near future. At this point I only know of a couple online sources. Heard that you can occasionally find some nice stuff at the storage auctions but somehow I feel like that's so hit or miss. I'm looking for some rarer firearms and also maybe some fixer uppers. So the question is do you have any sources or techniques for finding auctions near you that might cater to the firearms? PM me if you'd rather not share industry secrets all over the place. ;-) thanks in advance.

[xring3]

Most of the auctions that feature guns get final bids that are 2X higher than reasonable. Farm or estate auctions CAN be a different story. MHO

[primer1]

Originally Posted by xring3

Most of the auctions that feature guns get final bids that are 2X higher than reasonable. Farm or estate auctions CAN be a different story. MHO

Pretty much what I've seen in the last ten years or so. Farm auctions aren't much better. Watch the paper.

[hmh]

The most recent auction I went to (before election) a bare bones used 10/22 went for $220+buyers premium+background. And a very nice hi-power unfired, in original box, engraved went for $800+buyers premium+background. The 10/22 way to much, the hi-power out of my price range, but from what people that know, have told me, a steal.

[JWagner]

Try looking up a web site called "backpage.com" They exist as regional sites; for example, the one I use is called "tucsonbackpage.com" They list lots of firearms and related items in the "sports equpt" section. It is a lot like Craigslist, but with firearms. Most of the ads are from local people which makes it easy to see the items for yourself, and negotiate the deal face to face.

[xring3]

You may want to try pawn shops...not the chain ones but the independent shops....they are more receptive to making an offer....I have made some decent purchases and never pay the asking price...just a thought

[GrtWhytHype]

Thanks everyone. Some decent info. I've checked out backpage before but it seems like in my area it's just the LGS's that post individual rifles and stuff they want to move. No real deals to be had.

I've thought about pawn shops but I always feel like I'm getting ripped off just by walking in one.

Figured estate sales would be good but you gotta get to those early.

Appreciate the insight though.

[twoolddogs]

Google Proxibid. They allow you to bid in many regional and national auctions over the internet. Their system is easy to use and they have good safeguards. Also google Gunrunner Auctions. They are similar to proxibid and have similar safeguards. I have used both and have no complaints.

[crazycharlie2]

Every time I go to an auction prices are more than the price of new. There are no pawn shops here, only licensed FFL dealers.
Some of the auctoneers buy up the firearms before an auction.

[GeneralPatton]

Originally Posted by twoolddogs

Google Proxibid. They allow you to bid in many regional and national auctions over the internet. Their system is easy to use and they have good safeguards. Also google Gunrunner Auctions. They are similar to proxibid and have similar safeguards. I have used both and have no complaints.

Proxibid is just a portal to other auctions. I know Rock Island Auctions use them for their big quarterly sales.

Armslist.com is a decent place, some prices are stupid high but occasionally you see something fairly priced, and even sometimes below market value. Estate sales used to be an ok source, but these days they've gotten stupid high as well. I've also seen some local auction houses have a few firearms go through them, but it seems like every moron who thinks he was born to be a gun dealer goes in there and pays 20% more than its worth. You really just have to stumble on a private seller liquidating a collection who'll take a lower amount for all at once these days.