FFL in Western Washinton

[BW2723]

Thanks Ed, how do I reach you directly?

[BW2723]

Thank you so much.
I appreciate your reply but can't for the following reasons:
The luger that I'm interested in purchasing is not in my possession at this time. Its offered for sale over the internet. I don't feel comfortable using the sellers pics w/o his permission nor do I want to advertise his gun on the forum which would undercut my position.
I've learned a great deal so far from your forum. I sold off much of my gun collection this past year because I really enjoy the history and feel of lugers. I've spent hours reading your posts so that I can make good decisions about which lugers are right for me- thats another story.
One of the more important lessons learned from your forum is how a buyers greed can "color" his choices. It can be extremely difficult determining whether or not a gun has been re-blued or reconditioned especially when it looks so good in your hand!!! Furthermore, trying to recover the loss of a collectable is daunting in our legal system. I don't know much about buyers rights or internet fraud but most buyers just seem to accept their loss and move on.
So thats why I'm looking for a "pro" to help me out. I would prefer having a professioal opinion before a purchase rather than afterwards. With only three days to examine a purchase that would mean a "pro with an FFL".
I'm sure there is someone in Washington State who knows more about collectible Lugers than I do.
Someone on the wet side.
Yours truly- BW

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by BW2723

I don't know much about buyers rights or internet fraud but most buyers just seem to accept their loss and move on.

That's because even if you have a generous/honest seller who will take back a Luger you don't want, cost can be prohibitive.

Let's say I buy a Luger from Joe Blow here on the forum. Joe's pictures are poor and few in number, so I can only go on his description. The Luger is a variation I already have , but I want one in better condition, so I pay for the pistol + $20 shipping and $40 for my FFL receiver/LGS to receive it. I decide it's not in any better condition than the one I have (I'm upgrading), so I ask to return it and get my purchase price back. Joe agrees, and now I pay another $20 shipping plus $40 to my FFL receiver/LGS to send it back.

Now I'm back where I started, except I'm $120 poorer.

Some FFL receivers here in NYS will charge less ($25 is lowest I've seen) but they will also charge NYS sales tax [8%]. Gas prices also play a part. I get 15mpg @$4/gal. It's not worth it to me to pay an additional $10 for gas to a $25 receiver who charges NYS sales tax. Some sellers will only send 2-Day or even Overnight Delivery, more $$$.

And hereabouts, even a Luger in less than 'collector' condition will command a premium, so selling it is easier/cheaper to do than returning it.

Just my $.02...