We’re all for supporting local gun shops, but the fact is they don’t always have what you’re looking for or, if they do, it’s not always at a price that we can justify.
When that happens, auctions and classified sites can be a great way to track down a more unusual item or snag a great deal. But like with buying anything online, you want to make sure that you’re purchasing through a safe, trustworthy platform.
If anything, that’s even more true with guns since they are a higher-price item and there are so many laws surrounding their sale.
The sites we’re going to talk about here are good platforms to check out.
They all facilitate private sales. So, you don’t necessarily get the same assurances that you do when buying from a store, but they also take steps to ensure both buyers and sellers are protected.
They also all offer plenty of less common items and are great places to get good deals. We’re going to kick things off with sites that primarily sell via auctions, then move into sites that give off that classifieds vibe.
Whether you are trying to save some cash or find a less common gun, start your search here…
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Best Gun Auction Sites
You’ll find both online-only auctions and more traditional auctions described here.
1. GunBroker
GunBroker is basically eBay for guns. It’s the largest online auction platform for firearms. Like eBay, you can find really good deals and rare or otherwise difficult to track down items.
Also, like eBay, GunBroker is primarily an auction site. But there are some listings you can just straight up buy as well as others that offer a “Buy Now” option.
The “Buy Now” price is generally higher than the starting bid — but not by much. It’s not uncommon to see prices that are the same as the starting bid.
There are also some items that allow potential buyers to “Take a Shot.” That means you can offer a price which the seller can then choose to take or not.
Another thing that GunBroker has in common with eBay is that they merely host sales…they aren’t selling the items themselves. As such, they don’t verify all items, sellers, or buyers.
That means that there is inevitably a risk of scams.
Fortunately, you can see reviews, the length of time registered, and various badges for top sellers, verified members, FFL holders, and Premium Members. This helps you get an idea of who’s trustworthy.
You can find out more about GunBroker from our complete review.
What’s your take on GunBroker?
2. Morphy Auctions
If you’re looking for a more traditional auction house, Morphy Auctions is a great option.
Morphy sells antiques of all kinds, not just firearms. But they typically host four firearm-specific auctions per year.
Their Extraordinary Firearms Auctions take place in the spring and fall. These feature rarer or higher-end weapons valued at $2,500 or more.
The Field and Range Auctions occur in the winter and fall with lower-priced weapons — usually valued between $500 and $3,000. The big advantage of Morphy over sites like GunBroker is that it’s easier to find rare or unusual firearms in good condition.
On the other hand, you can only auction on their schedule. You have to be available to bid while the auction is going on and they don’t take any kind of advanced bidding.
Though you can bid in person at Morphy’s auction house in Denver, Pennsylvania (it’s a real place), most of us are probably best off using bid online or by phone options.
In addition, you can view the catalog for upcoming options well ahead of time. So you’ll know what’s available and can plan accordingly before the auction starts.
If you have an antique firearm (or another type of antique, for that matter) of your own that you want to sell, an auction house can be a great way to get the best possible price.
The audience includes a greater proportion of people that are knowledgeable about antiques and their value.
And once your items are reviewed and accepted, they’ll handle most of the work for you. It’s really easy, especially if you have several pieces you’d like to part with.
3. Rock Island Auction
This is another more traditional-style auction house…but Rock Island Auction specializes in firearms and related items — including bladed weapons and military paraphernalia, rather than general antiques.
Rock Island is very well established in the industry with a great reputation. In fact, Rock Island handled some of the highest-priced gun sales ever.
They sell some really cool stuff and, in my opinion, their auction catalogs are worth perusing just to see the interesting things they’re selling — even if you can’t or don’t want to buy.
Not everything is super expensive, though. While RIA specializes in rare and collectible items, you can also find great deals on more common, affordable used guns in excellent condition.
Rock Island Auction hosts up to seven Online Only Auctions per year. This is where you’ll find those lower-cost items.
On top of that, they host up to three Premier Auctions per year — where rarer items can be found.
As the name suggests, Online Only Auctions only allow online bidding. On the other hand, Premier Auctions come with more options — in-person, online, by phone, and absentee (a.k.a. sealed) bidding.
To take part in absentee bidding, you give RIA a maximum amount you’re willing to bid. They then bid on your behalf up to that amount.
In other words, they’ll match bids made by others up to your maximum amount. But you don’t have to pay that whole amount if bidding stops at a lower amount.
Absentee bids can be submitted by email, fax, phone, or mail.
Rock Island also allows conditional bidding for absentee bidding, which has to be set up by phone. Conditional bidding means your amounts can be changed based on the events of the auction.
For example, if you have two lots that you’re interested in bidding, you might have Rock Island raise your bid on the second if you don’t win the first.
And similar to Murphy Auctions, if you’re looking to sell, rather than buy, consigning with RIA helps you get great prices with very little work on your part.
Best Gun Classifieds
Maybe you want to just buy a gun instead of dealing with the involved process of an auction.
In that case, a classified site is a great option. A few of the above sites have classifieds in addition to auctions, but the ones below are strictly or mostly classifieds.
4. GunsAmerica
GunsAmerica is a pretty straightforward site with both auction and regular classified listings. But most of their listings are classifieds, which is why they sit in this section.
They offer items across all price points and host both local and national level sales. A huge advantage of GunsAmerica is the ability to save searches.
So, it’s easy to check back to see what’s available. You can also set up daily or hourly emails for each saved search to make it even easier to keep up with new listings.
Many sellers are gun shops and other licensed dealers rather than individuals, though those kinds of sellers are also allowed. You can filter your search results to show only dealer sales, though, if that’s what you prefer.
Similar to GunBroker, these are private sales, so there’s a risk of scams, especially from non-dealers.
GunsAmerica allows for feedback on sellers, but sellers can choose to hide the feedback. So don’t assume that a lack of feedback means everything is a-okay.
Also, the site doesn’t allow feedback for buyers, so be careful when selling.
That said, the site can still be a great platform for selling guns. There’s never a posting fee, usually just a fee after the item is sold.
For local sales within 50 miles, there’s no after-sale fee either.
However, GunsAmerica does allow you to add what they call “enhancements.” These help your listing get more attention or incentivize people to spend more for a fee upon listing.
The exact amount of the fees depend on what membership level you go with.
There are three membership levels — Basic Seller, Trusted Seller, and Platinum Access. The higher the level, the lower the fees, and the more other benefits you get. But there’s a monthly cost for the two higher-level options.
If you’re just looking to offload a gun here or there, the basic option works fine. Alternatively, the trusted seller option works best for people selling five or more guns a month.
Platinum Access is for gun shops looking to set up an online portal for their sales.
5. Calguns & Other Forums
Dedicated classified websites aren’t the only places you can find classified listings, but don’t bother looking at places like Craigslist, Facebook, or Reddit. Most generalized platforms don’t allow firearm sales.
Look for firearm specific forums instead. Almost all states have a gun forum and most of those forums offer a section for classifieds.
Calguns is one of the largest state firearms forums and is often looked to as an example. But again, pretty much every state has an online gun forum, and many states have multiple.
Just search your state’s name and “gun forum.” Some states even actually have entire forums or websites devoted to firearms classifieds for that state.
There are also regional equivalents that cover multiple states. They can be useful anyway, but especially if your state doesn’t have an active forum of its own.
There are tons of reasons to be involved in these types of online gun communities beyond just the classified ads. So, if you haven’t really used them before, this is definitely a good excuse to start.
6. Gunspot
Gunspot serves as a meeting point for people who want to sell or buy firearms. They have a lot of listings for guns of all categories, suppressors, and ammunition.
Users can create an account and list their guns for sale, or browse and search the numerous auctions going on. There are timers listed on each item that continually tick down to let you know the current bid and when it closes.
But the site also serves as a valuable resource to the community.
Gunspot has a section called Academy that offers great information on general gun topics, as well as how to use the site. You can also find guides and reviews in article or video format.
Final Thoughts
These sites are all great places to start when looking to buy or sell firearms, but it’s by no means a comprehensive list. There are definitely other great auction and classified sites out there.
If you haven’t bought guns online before, you’ll also want to check out How to Buy a Gun Online to help you navigate the process. Also, make sure you know your state’s laws governing gun sales.
I also recommend checking out Buying Used Guns Safely to make sure you’re doing everything you can to avoid scams. And remember that buying through an auction or classified site doesn’t mean you can’t support your local gun shop at the same time!
Unless you’re picking your gun up in person, you’ll have to have it shipped to an FFL. Most gun shops will accept shipments for a fee, so you can still show them some support that way.
Have you used any of these sites? Do you have another favorite auction or classified site? Let us know in the comments below. Check out our list of the 10 Best Online Gun Stores for some more options.
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Why is armslist not on here DEFINITELY the best site , so this review of sites is just a joke and far from being accurate
Sort of surprised there's no honorable mention of Armslist or more local, state specific sites like FLGunTrader. Granted, your mileage will vary with any of these... and some *cough* Armslist *cough* have become less of what they were before, but they can still be good for finding something local (including local ammo manufacturers) or even for finding the nearby pawn shops and brick & mortar stores you didn't know about. All that said, I can usually find most of what I'm looking for at a local gun show vs doing it online. In my state there's a local one every 2-3 months and some larger ones every 1-2 times a year.
Now all that said... and I'm definitely not proposing that anyone violate any laws, but depending on your viewpoints it may be worth buying in ways that don't have paper trails if legal where you live. Every gun store keeps records. Every FFL at a gunshow or on sites like Gunbroker keep records. But if you meet locally and do a legal trade, the most you're likely to do is a bill of sale that the seller will keep locked away in a file safe just in case. A buddy of mine is extremely wary of the possibility of future mandatory gun confiscations. To work around this legally... he'll buy a new or used gun from a legit FFL that keeps paperwork. He'll keep it for a bit, then use a site like Armslist to trade it. He requires a bill of sale with the buyers info, but only gives them the same if they ask for it. If anyone asks, he can prove who he legally sold or traded it to. But he usually now has a firearm that he wants that lacks much in the way of paperwork for gov't eyes.
One last thing, be careful buying accessories on websites as records are kept. I'm aware of one guy that bought some solvent trap items *including a drilling jig* off of Gunbroker and had the ATF at his door a few months later asking why he hadn't submitted a Form 1. While doing their interview they noticed he had a folding stock for his MPX (pistol). It wasn't attached, but his Gunbroker records also showed he bought an MPX pistol from another dealer the same day and when asked he told them he doesn't own anything that is compatible with the folding stock adaptor in rifle length. He also doesn't have a stamp for an SBR. He and his attorney are discussing the issue, but its worth being aware. Personally I've found that its good to go to gunshows for stuff like this and pay cash... which right now I'm sure my buddy is wishing he had done. Nothing illegal about it, but it removes avenues for investigations or conjecture.
My thoughts EXACTLY!!!
Check out:
theoutdoorstrader(dot)com
Friendly people, wide array of firearms and other things.
I’m a fan of armslist bought and sold a few of that site. But I believe they now charge you to list.
Exactly this review of sites is a joke Armslist is the best
This was a fun article; I enjoyed your little meme-cartoon-clip-things.
When the covid shutdowns hit, most of the old mom&pop gun shops either closed to the public or just plain Closed! Many that did continue business online using intermediate vendors like Gunbroker.
One thing I do like about Gunbroker is that many times a buyer has the option to "Buy it Now"; I find auction bidding tedious. Also, the "15 minute bidding window after the sale has ended" is ...it just pissed me off! I do like Gunbroker's page format; it's well thought out, easy to navigate, informative, and devoid of splash ads.
But for me, buying on the site has been tricky. I've had Gunbroker interfere with the use of my credit card, which forced me to mail out USPS money orders for my guns. Money orders are slow and inconvenient for the seller, and nerve wracking for the buyer. Why would Gunbroker interfere with the transaction? "What the hell Gunbroker?! If this credit card was a martial art, it would be the Best! Its name is Literally the "MASTER" of "CARD"s, DAMMIT!!"
The days of "money on the barrel head and a hand shake" are over thanks to covid. Thankfully, many gun shops are opening back up. My only issue is that the "old" traditional shops had traditional model guns; all this new "tacti-cool" BS is gettin' in the way of my cowboy guns, forcing me to shop online. "Move that Lucky Charms BS outta the way for my Steak N' Taters!" Don't like that statement? "Whatever Hollywood; shoo! The eye paint is in the aisle with the Punisher skull stickers."
The comment written regarding Gun Broker facilitating sales only was formerly correct but recently they have begun an intrusive verification process of buyers. My account has been open since 2007 and they shut it down from bidding and demanded I provide identity verification. They wanted me to provide a face photo along with a drivers license they could read in the same photo. I could also provide a mortgage statement, utility bill, pay stub, cell phone bill or vehicle registration. When I questioned this, they claimed there was an issue with inactivity or registration attempt. Now, I don't know about most but this reeks of a high handed attempt to link my account to the guns I have purchased for some reason. I am not going to comply and plan to take every opportunity to inform the buying public of this development. Gun Broker may never feel the impact of their decisions but if enough of us react negatively, the actual sellers and dealers might have enough influence to force a change. Meanwhile, I'll be passing GB by in favor of 2A friendly sites. I'd encourage all to do the same.
Well said, agree 100%, plus there is the risk of ID theft with them holding all that info. I was also a long time registrant and had the same thing happen. I likewise refuse to do any business with them. They are as bad as the DMV.
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Gunspot was created as an alternative to the intrusive and overpowered Gun Auction sites, they are more focused on making it easier and safer to buy online and less focused on raking customers over the coals. check it out!! I bought several things on gonspot and have gotten great deals, no out-of-state sales tax, and no extra compliance fees. have an awesome day MH!
I just recently used Morphy and was extremely impressed with the way it's set up and with the quality of the products you can find there. The bad thing about them is that they are super slow to send out invoice and to get your firearms shipped out! Gunbroker is still a solid option as long as you know how to avoid the price gougers.
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Is this a joke? ArmoryClassifieds is light years ahead of these guys and it's FREE..
let me guess you work for them
Armslist really sucks now
Yes it does! we've been using armoryclassifieds[com]
Not even an honorable mention for Armslist? That's like talking about the best online retailers and skipping over Amazon...
Totally agree, Joe. Armslist is the best... can't believe it didn't make this list...
Yeah he mentioned Gunbroker as the best, which is hilarious. I tried using Gunbroker. I too also loved it and like you, i too was of the same mindset that my perfect Gunbroker could never be flawed, oh but it is. Wait until you get feedback from someone having a bad day even though the order went perfectly. It doesn’t matter. You bow have feedback scaring almost every seller/buyer away because of that one feedback that you can never erase. I am an eBayer. I take pride in my 100% feedback because my transactions are 100% successful. Not being able to dispute bad feedback is this sites kryptonite. Sure you can buy without worrying about that, but I rather not give any of my business to a sketchy site. Gunbroker is dead to me. I’m using Armslist and GunsAmerica from now on.
As of 2021 Armslist has gone downhill. You are now required to buy into a subscription in order to sell and contact sellers. The traffic on that site has slowed down compared to what it use to be. GunBroker and Guns America have not changed and right now they really are the better option.
Armslist USED to be the best. Then the greedy idiots changed to a paid-subscription model where sellers AND buyers need to pay a monthly fee. Moronic. It was hard enough to navigate good deals there without paying for the priviledge.
Several states (generally the usual blue states but also Nevada, New Mexico, and Vermont; check your own state) now require background checks at the point of sale for all transfers, including purchases from unlicensed sellers. These laws have greatly reduced the usefulness of online classified sites such as Armslist and Guns America for private sellers since you must involve an FFL from the beginning regardless of the "private-party exemption" under federal law. There is an ever-growing web of state laws to entrap the unwary. Be careful with online sales unless you are certain of your state laws.
Point of sale background checks are no problem unless you're planning a crime.
Why would you want to potentially sell a firearm to a felon? The private-party exemption should only be used when selling directly to family members or friends (who you know can legally own a firearm) in which case you wouldn't need a website. ALWAYS sell to strangers via an FFL so the background check can be completed. It is the moral thing to do as you otherwise might be contributing to gun crime (and doing something illegal yourself).
Has anyone heard that certain states (Texas,Florida?)have bumped up the age of (some)antique guns to 1918,inclusive? We were at a gun show in Wiscasett,Maine recently that had documents saying so.