Biggest rip-off someone ever pulled on you selling a gun? - Page 2

gyvel · August 24, 2014, 05:45 PM

Partially my fault for being gullible, but also for the lying SOB that sold me the item.

Many years ago when I was first on eBay, I bought a Belgian barrel for an A5 Browning from a guy in Utah (religion shall go unnamed).

The liar told me that it was a factory new barrel that he had gotten from an employee at Browning.

I sniped it at the last second and got it for $175.00. When I received it, it was obvious that not only had it been reblued, but somebody had jammed something square into the bore, leaving four score marks. I told the seller about it, and the seller refused to take it back. This was before eBay had any sorts of protection for buyers.

I freely admit that I am to blame for my gullibility and for taking someone else's word and buying something sight unseen, but that scumbag latter day thief was about as dishonest as they come.

Stevie-Ray · August 24, 2014, 05:47 PM

Quote:

A gun shop sold me a Walther P22 once. Does that count?

A gun shop also had the unmitigated gall to sell me an AMT Govt. model, as well. Bastards!

**Aguila Blanca** · August 24, 2014, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sevens

Couldn't you possibly imagine a scenario where is it was not just you that got tricked by the altered gun, but the shop owner had gotten tricked as well?

I could possibly imagine such a scenario, but in this case (for a multitude of reasons) I don't believe that's what happened. There were several things during the purchase process that set my Spidey sense tingling, but I was in love with the gun so I ignored my intuition. I should know better.

ranchito457 · August 24, 2014, 09:42 PM

Quote:

As the shop owns the item, I fully back their right to price it at -ANY- number they wish and I truly believe that with a smile, but to waste a potential customer's time and energy for a snotty little exercise like that, I'd really want to place a flaming bag of poo on their "Welcome" mat. That tale just plain annoys me.

I like the idea of the poo and mat!!lol

Skans · August 25, 2014, 07:28 AM

Quote:

About a year and several thousands of dollars were spent on attorney fees recovering moneys frozen in my paypal account,

I will take heed and make a note to self for when I start liquidating some of my guns: Postal Money Orders and wired funds only. Oh, and I think I'll incorporate a very short agreement in my gunbroker ad that makes the forum for any disputes my own state.

Nathan · August 25, 2014, 03:10 PM

"Rip off" is not a matter of price alone with 2 willing parties. Rip off is when one party has information that the other party is not privy to and they fail to disclose it.

If you buy a gun on pictures and it has undisclosed rust under the grip or another issue, you could claim ripped off.

Or perhaps a seller paid retail minus a damage estimate and then makes an emotional claim about losing money while really making $75....rip off.

If we're both looking at/shooting your Glock and you ask $500, I offer $400 and we agree at $475, there is no rip off, even if I see them all-day-long at $400. I conceded price.

If you have a lowest prices guaranteed and won't match an Internet retailer with shipping and transfer, are you lying?

I have never been ripped off in a gun deal, but I did give up a lever action 30-30 about $100 cheap that still hurts to think about!

OkieCruffler · August 26, 2014, 05:01 AM

I once ran an ad to trade a pistol I had for 2 contender barrels. A rather well thought of custom barrel maker contacted me and said he was interested. If I would send him the pistol he would make me two barrels of my choosing. It would take awhile to get the barrels but it seemed like a good idea. The first barrel I received looked okay but the bore wasn't aligned with the barrel blank. He didn't make the barrel blank so it wasn't his fault but if you looked at the barrel it was pretty apparent. I've never received the second barrel and that was over 7 years ago. I would speak with him from time to time about other things and he would always say, "Sorry, I still owe you that barrel". I'd see dozens of folks showing off their new barrels they had received from him on various forums for years after.

huntinaz · August 26, 2014, 10:32 AM

Edit: Desisting.

Brian Pfleuger · August 26, 2014, 10:36 AM

Religion is explicitly and completely OFF-TOPIC. Desist.

Flintlock Tom · August 27, 2014, 10:06 PM

Many years ago, early 80s, I was with a friend in a local gun shop looking at SKSs. They had a whole rack of them, I think they were like $100 each. We were the only customers in the store and I could see the counter guy watching us and listening.
We went through just about all of them and I commented that they all seemed to have the cleaning kits still in the stock. We left without buying, my friend wanted to check with his wife and get some cash.
We went back the next day and discovered that none of the guns had cleaning kits, but the kits were for sale at the counter for $10.
I guess there was nothing underhanded here, a vendor just re-arranging his merchandise.

ATN082268 · August 27, 2014, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Pfleuger

There is no such thing as a "rip-off" in a Free Market society.

As far as price, I agree but as far as quality I would say no.

Lokpyrite · August 28, 2014, 04:17 AM

It always makes me laugh when someone makes a voluntary purchase (especially on a non-necessity item) and then complains that they got ""ripped off".

There is no such thing as a "rip-off" in a Free Market society. You are not forced to make that purchase. That supplier is not your only option.

The buyers set the sale prices of all items. The sellers can only make suggestions. If no one is WILLING to pay the ASKING price, the item does not sell.

Buyers must WILLFULLY pay the price that is ASKED. If they do not, the sellers can not sell unless they lower the prices, something they will almost never do WILLINGLY but are forced by the buyers refusal to pay the ASKING price.

Paying more than the current market price for an item is a problem with one of two things. Either the buyer has failed to educate themselves on the item or they are in too much a a hurry and are WILLINGLY paying a premium to have the item immediately.

It's also amusing to me that a buyer who makes a purchase for far less than the market value of an item is always very pleased with themselves and will brag it up but never admits to "ripping off" the seller.
__________________

While your response my be true for this particular post, there ARE rip offs, specifally when there are lies or misrepresentation.

Bennyfatsack · August 28, 2014, 05:50 AM

Never really rationalised sales as well as you just did, very valid point, a bargin I suppose is all proportional to the want/desire/satisfaction of the buyer not the actual market value, but because its a whinge post... Here goes.... Almost ripped off. Local Gunshop, had already purchased 5 gun from him with competitive pricing to multiple other stores, until I was talked into an air rifle, sweet talked me big time, after telling me his rep told him to sell them for $900 he told me because I was a valued customer and having spent a lot with him to date he would do it for $690. I hummed and scratched my chin $650 he dropped, how could I resist $250 saving of rec. retail, so but on lay by/lay away with a $200 deposit and payed no more thought to it. Two weeks later lunch break working hr away in next town over wondered into gun shop for nothing more than a sticky beak looked on rack and seen the exact rifle I was buying, for curiosity's sake asked how much you got on the camo stock air rifle.? Answered well this ones packaged with a 3-9x40 scope and a tin of gamo hunting pellets, they've been selling well yours today if you got your permit for a hefty $285.....***.... Long story short a couple of swear words thrown around a cancelled lay by and now an hrs drive to my new Gunshop, ironically didn't even buy an air rifle in the end.

BigBL87 · August 30, 2014, 09:00 PM

For better or worse, I research the crap out of most stuff I buy so thus far I haven't been ripped off. I wish I had the kind of expendable income to be able to make knee jerk purchases though.

aarondhgraham · August 31, 2014, 02:32 PM

I bought a S&W shotgun from a cousin,,,
I didn't really want the gun but he was in a bind.

I even paid him a decent price,,,
Because he was "family".

It turns out the inner rail on one side was broken,,,
A good inch wasn't there at all.

He got all big eyed and swore he didn't know,,,
And of course, he had already spent the money.

Kinfolk,,,
Can't live with 'em,,,
Can't stuff 'em in e deep hole.

Aarond

P.S. I made a lamp out of it,,,
I'll peddle that for more than I gave for the gun.

.

August 24, 2014, 05:45 PM	#26
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	Partially my fault for being gullible, but also for the lying SOB that sold me the item. Many years ago when I was first on eBay, I bought a Belgian barrel for an A5 Browning from a guy in Utah (religion shall go unnamed). The liar told me that it was a factory new barrel that he had gotten from an employee at Browning. I sniped it at the last second and got it for $175.00. When I received it, it was obvious that not only had it been reblued, but somebody had jammed something square into the bore, leaving four score marks. I told the seller about it, and the seller refused to take it back. This was before eBay had any sorts of protection for buyers. I freely admit that I am to blame for my gullibility and for taking someone else's word and buying something sight unseen, but that scumbag latter day thief was about as dishonest as they come. __________________ As always, YMMV. __________________________________________ MIIAA SIFE

August 26, 2014, 05:01 AM	#32
OkieCruffler Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2001 Location: Denison Texas on the banks of Texhoma Posts: 1,556	I once ran an ad to trade a pistol I had for 2 contender barrels. A rather well thought of custom barrel maker contacted me and said he was interested. If I would send him the pistol he would make me two barrels of my choosing. It would take awhile to get the barrels but it seemed like a good idea. The first barrel I received looked okay but the bore wasn't aligned with the barrel blank. He didn't make the barrel blank so it wasn't his fault but if you looked at the barrel it was pretty apparent. I've never received the second barrel and that was over 7 years ago. I would speak with him from time to time about other things and he would always say, "Sorry, I still owe you that barrel". I'd see dozens of folks showing off their new barrels they had received from him on various forums for years after. __________________ John A. Monroe, Never Forgive, Never Forget, Blood Pays Blood

August 26, 2014, 10:32 AM	#33
huntinaz Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2010 Location: az Posts: 1,332	Edit: Desisting. __________________ "When there’s lead in the air, there’s hope in the heart”- Hunter’s Proverb "Feed me, or feed me to something. I just want to be part of the food chain." -Al Bundy Last edited by huntinaz; August 26, 2014 at 10:50 AM.

August 26, 2014, 10:36 AM	#34
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	Religion is explicitly and completely OFF-TOPIC. Desist. __________________ Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley

August 28, 2014, 04:17 AM	#37
Lokpyrite Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2009 Posts: 367	It always makes me laugh when someone makes a voluntary purchase (especially on a non-necessity item) and then complains that they got ""ripped off". There is no such thing as a "rip-off" in a Free Market society. You are not forced to make that purchase. That supplier is not your only option. The buyers set the sale prices of all items. The sellers can only make suggestions. If no one is WILLING to pay the ASKING price, the item does not sell. Buyers must WILLFULLY pay the price that is ASKED. If they do not, the sellers can not sell unless they lower the prices, something they will almost never do WILLINGLY but are forced by the buyers refusal to pay the ASKING price. Paying more than the current market price for an item is a problem with one of two things. Either the buyer has failed to educate themselves on the item or they are in too much a a hurry and are WILLINGLY paying a premium to have the item immediately. It's also amusing to me that a buyer who makes a purchase for far less than the market value of an item is always very pleased with themselves and will brag it up but never admits to "ripping off" the seller. __________________ While your response my be true for this particular post, there ARE rip offs, specifally when there are lies or misrepresentation. __________________ The more people I meet the more I'm beginning to root for the zombies.

August 25, 2014, 03:10 PM	#31
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	"Rip off" is not a matter of price alone with 2 willing parties. Rip off is when one party has information that the other party is not privy to and they fail to disclose it. If you buy a gun on pictures and it has undisclosed rust under the grip or another issue, you could claim ripped off. Or perhaps a seller paid retail minus a damage estimate and then makes an emotional claim about losing money while really making $75....rip off. If we're both looking at/shooting your Glock and you ask $500, I offer $400 and we agree at $475, there is no rip off, even if I see them all-day-long at $400. I conceded price. If you have a lowest prices guaranteed and won't match an Internet retailer with shipping and transfer, are you lying? I have never been ripped off in a gun deal, but I did give up a lever action 30-30 about $100 cheap that still hurts to think about!

August 27, 2014, 10:06 PM	#35
Flintlock Tom Junior Member Join Date: September 20, 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 14	Many years ago, early 80s, I was with a friend in a local gun shop looking at SKSs. They had a whole rack of them, I think they were like $100 each. We were the only customers in the store and I could see the counter guy watching us and listening. We went through just about all of them and I commented that they all seemed to have the cleaning kits still in the stock. We left without buying, my friend wanted to check with his wife and get some cash. We went back the next day and discovered that none of the guns had cleaning kits, but the kits were for sale at the counter for $10. I guess there was nothing underhanded here, a vendor just re-arranging his merchandise.

August 28, 2014, 05:50 AM	#38
Bennyfatsack Member Join Date: August 11, 2014 Location: NSW Australia Posts: 77	Never really rationalised sales as well as you just did, very valid point, a bargin I suppose is all proportional to the want/desire/satisfaction of the buyer not the actual market value, but because its a whinge post... Here goes.... Almost ripped off. Local Gunshop, had already purchased 5 gun from him with competitive pricing to multiple other stores, until I was talked into an air rifle, sweet talked me big time, after telling me his rep told him to sell them for $900 he told me because I was a valued customer and having spent a lot with him to date he would do it for $690. I hummed and scratched my chin $650 he dropped, how could I resist $250 saving of rec. retail, so but on lay by/lay away with a $200 deposit and payed no more thought to it. Two weeks later lunch break working hr away in next town over wondered into gun shop for nothing more than a sticky beak looked on rack and seen the exact rifle I was buying, for curiosity's sake asked how much you got on the camo stock air rifle.? Answered well this ones packaged with a 3-9x40 scope and a tin of gamo hunting pellets, they've been selling well yours today if you got your permit for a hefty $285.....***.... Long story short a couple of swear words thrown around a cancelled lay by and now an hrs drive to my new Gunshop, ironically didn't even buy an air rifle in the end.

August 30, 2014, 09:00 PM	#39
BigBL87 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2014 Location: Tonica, IL Posts: 473	For better or worse, I research the crap out of most stuff I buy so thus far I haven't been ripped off. I wish I had the kind of expendable income to be able to make knee jerk purchases though.

August 31, 2014, 02:32 PM	#40
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	Ripped off by a cousin,,, I bought a S&W shotgun from a cousin,,, I didn't really want the gun but he was in a bind. I even paid him a decent price,,, Because he was "family". It turns out the inner rail on one side was broken,,, A good inch wasn't there at all. He got all big eyed and swore he didn't know,,, And of course, he had already spent the money. Kinfolk,,, Can't live with 'em,,, Can't stuff 'em in e deep hole. Aarond P.S. I made a lamp out of it,,, I'll peddle that for more than I gave for the gun. . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)