GunBroker and other sites: Gripes and Props

[Hugo Borchardt]

Don't get me wrong: I appreciate Gunbroker, as they have the cajones to allow us a marketplace to trade firearms. I love to peruse GB every day and make an occasional purchase, but have the following gripes.

- Ammunition: The site is primarily to trade guns, and ammunition should not show up by default. Since "9mm Luger" ammo shows up by default on a Luger search, it almost always forces you to use the advanced search. This could be solved by allowing you to specify your preferences "Show Ammunition? Y/N" and GB saving them for future sessions.

- New Posts vs rePosts: As far as I know, no method is provided for seeing only new first time posts. If you select "New within the previous 24 hours", it still shows all the old tired auctions that continue to repost forever and have happened to expire and repost in the previous 24 hrs. I understand E.T. needs to get $X for that Luger :-) as I have done the same thing, but I want to be able to quickly see what is really NEW.

- Auctions vs Inventory: Several dealers put their entire inventory on the site with a, IMO, full-retail-plus reserve price. These are "For sale" and not a true auction. I know I can choose "No Reserve" and "Start Price" between 0 and $100, but GB should provide an easier way to see the actual auctions. Heck I like JacksonArmory as much as the next guy but sheesh.

AuctionArms IMO is great, but they could use a serious redux. Same ammo problem. Their banner and search box take the top half of my 1280x1024screen. For some reason I have never actually bought or sold anything on Auction Arms, even though I bid occasionaly. Perhaps it is because you see fewer Luger Items, but when they are there sometimes they are really good true auction

GunsAmerica has some interesting items from time to time, but I almost never get my questions answered and therefore have never made a purchase there.

The two LugerForums are my favorite place to trade if at all possible, especially to or from another known collector.

Simpson LTD is great too, and believe it or not, contrary to popular belief gained by perusing their site, I have picked up a couple great reasonably priced items there.

I have also bought from the very reputable Legacy Collectibles. I realize they are more high-end than Simpson, but would like to see them compile and move more inventory.

Phoenix Investment Arms blows everyone away when it comes to photography and presentation, IMO. Honestly, I feel like I am visiting a museum, or a used Lamborghini showroom, and have not made a purchase.

Clark