How to Buy a Gun Online at GunBroker.com
GunBroker.com is an online marketplace where buyers and sellers connect to buy and sell firearms, ammunition, accessories, and other related items.
GunBroker.com does not own or sell the items listed on the site. Items are listed and sold by independent sellers, and buyers are responsible for reviewing the listing and understanding the requirements for completing the purchase.
This guide explains the basic steps for finding, purchasing, and receiving an item through GunBroker.com.
1. Create a GunBroker.com Account
You must have a registered GunBroker.com account before you can bid on or purchase an item.
Complete the registration process and any required account verification before attempting to make a purchase.
Once your account is active, you can search for items, place bids, make purchases, and manage your buying activity through My GunBroker.
2. Know the Requirements Before You Buy
Before bidding on or purchasing an item, make sure you understand whether the item can legally be purchased and transferred to you.
You are responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
If You Are Buying a Firearm
If you are not a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder, most firearms must be shipped to an FFL who can legally receive the firearm and complete the transfer to you.
We recommend locating and contacting a Transfer Dealer before bidding on or purchasing a firearm. The dealer can confirm:
- They are willing to receive the firearm.
- The firearm can legally be transferred to you.
- Any transfer fees they charge.
- Their requirements for completing the transfer.
- Any state or local restrictions that may apply.
You can use GunBroker.com's FFL Finder to locate participating Transfer Dealers by ZIP Code or state.
Other Items
Some items may not require an FFL transfer; however, age restrictions and federal, state, or local laws may still apply.
If you are unsure whether an item can legally be shipped or transferred to you, contact a local FFL or other appropriate authority before purchasing the item.
3. Find an Item
You can find items on GunBroker.com by searching or browsing.
Search
Enter keywords describing the item you want to find. For better results, use specific terms such as the manufacturer, model, caliber, gauge, or other identifying information.
You can use available filters to narrow your results by criteria such as:
- Category
- Price
- Condition
- Buying format
- Seller
- Item location
For more specific searches, use Advanced Search.
Browse Categories
You can also browse GunBroker.com's categories and subcategories to explore available items.
This can be useful when you know the type of item you want but do not have a particular manufacturer or model in mind.
Saved Searches
If you frequently search for the same type of item, you can save your search criteria.
Saved Searches allow you to quickly run the same search again and, when available, receive notifications when newly listed items match your criteria.
4. Review the Listing Carefully
Before placing a bid or making a purchase, review the entire listing.
Pay particular attention to:
- Item description
- Item condition
- Photographs
- Seller's terms of sale
- Accepted payment methods
- Shipping costs and restrictions
- Inspection or return policies
- Any additional fees or requirements
- Seller feedback
The information contained in the listing is provided by the seller.
If something about the item or the seller's terms is unclear, contact the seller through GunBroker.com before bidding or purchasing.
Do not place a bid or complete a purchase until you are comfortable with the item and the seller's terms.
5. Understand the Buying Format
Items may be offered using different buying formats. Make sure you understand the format before committing to a purchase.
Auction
In an auction, buyers compete by placing bids.
The highest qualifying bidder at the end of the auction wins the item, provided any applicable Reserve Price has been met.
Starting Bid
The Starting Bid is the minimum amount that can be entered as the first bid in an auction.
If an auction does not have a Reserve Price, the highest bidder at the end of the auction will win the item.
Reserve Price
A Reserve Price is the minimum price the seller is willing to accept for an auction item.
The actual Reserve Price is not disclosed to bidders.
You may place a bid below the Reserve Price, but the item will not be sold unless bidding reaches or exceeds the seller's Reserve Price.
The listing will indicate whether the Reserve Price has been met.
BuyNow!
Some listings include a BuyNow! price.
BuyNow! allows you to purchase the item immediately at the displayed price rather than waiting for the auction to end, provided the BuyNow! option is still available.
Fixed Price
A Fixed Price listing is offered at a set price and does not involve bidding.
Some Fixed Price listings may have multiple quantities available. If so, you can select the quantity you want to purchase, subject to availability.
6. Place a Bid
When you place a bid, enter the maximum amount you are willing to pay for the item.
GunBroker.com's AutoBid system automatically manages bidding for you.
AutoBid will bid only as much as necessary to keep you in the lead, up to the maximum amount you entered. If another bidder places a higher bid, AutoBid may increase your bid automatically without exceeding your maximum.
Because of AutoBid, the amount displayed as your current bid may be less than the maximum amount you entered.
If another bidder exceeds your maximum, you can choose whether to place another bid.
You can monitor items you are bidding on through My GunBroker.
Important: Only bid on an item if you intend to purchase it. If you are the winning bidder, you are expected to complete the transaction according to the seller's terms and GunBroker.com policies.
7. Purchase an Item
If a listing offers BuyNow! or Fixed Price purchasing, you can purchase the item without waiting for an auction to end.
Before confirming your purchase, review:
- The item
- Purchase price
- Quantity, if applicable
- Shipping costs
- Taxes and fees
- Payment methods
- Seller's terms
Once the purchase is confirmed, proceed through Checkout to complete the transaction.
8. Complete Checkout
If you win an auction or purchase an item, use GunBroker.com Checkout to provide the information needed to complete the transaction.
Depending on the listing, Checkout may include:
- Billing information
- Shipping information
- Payment information or payment instructions
- Taxes and fees
- Shipping costs
- FFL or Transfer Dealer information
The exact steps may vary depending on the item and the information provided by the seller.
If the seller must provide additional information, such as a final shipping amount, review the updated order before completing the required steps.
Complete payment within the timeframe required by GunBroker.com and the seller's terms.
9. Pay for Your Purchase
Before sending payment, review the seller's accepted payment methods and make sure the payment method is permitted under GunBroker.com policies.
Preferred Payment Methods
GunBroker.com's preferred payment methods include:
- Credit Cards
- USPS Money Orders
- GunTab
These payment methods provide a more secure and traceable way to complete your transaction.
Prohibited Payment Methods
Person-to-person money transfer services may not be used to pay for GunBroker.com transactions involving firearms, firearm accessories or parts, or ammunition.
Prohibited payment methods include:
- PayPal Friends and Family
- Zelle
- Venmo
- Cash App
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Ria
- Walmart2Walmart
- MoneyGram
- Other person-to-person money transfer applications
Use of these services for prohibited items may violate the payment provider's terms of service as well as the GunBroker.com User Agreement, Site Rules, and listing policies.
GunBroker.com also does not support wire transfers. Wire transfers generally cannot be disputed or reversed and do not provide the same protections available with other payment methods.
Important: Payments made using prohibited person-to-person payment services or unsupported payment methods are not covered by the GunBroker.com Buyer's Protection Program (BPP).
PayPal
PayPal may only be used on GunBroker.com for eligible merchandise, such as fishing merchandise, archery merchandise, clothing, accessories, and other permitted non-firearm items.
PayPal may not be used to purchase firearms, firearm accessories, firearm components, firearm parts, or ammunition.
For additional information, see Use of PayPal.
Protect Yourself When Paying
Always review the seller's payment instructions before completing your purchase.
If a seller asks you to use a prohibited payment method, do not send payment.
When possible, use one of GunBroker.com's preferred payment methods and keep all transaction-related communication associated with your GunBroker.com order.
For additional information about transaction protection and eligibility requirements, see the Buyer's Protection Program (BPP).
10. Provide Your FFL Information
When purchasing a firearm that requires an FFL transfer, provide the required Transfer Dealer information as part of the transaction.
The seller must have the appropriate FFL information before shipping the firearm.
Your Transfer Dealer may already participate in GunBroker.com's FFL network. If additional documentation is required, follow the instructions provided during Checkout or by the seller and Transfer Dealer.
11. Receiving Your Firearm
A firearm requiring an FFL transfer is generally shipped to your selected Transfer Dealer rather than directly to you.
Once the firearm arrives, contact the dealer to arrange the transfer.
The dealer will complete the required transfer process, which may include:
- Verifying your identification
- Completing required paperwork
- Conducting the applicable background check
- Verifying compliance with state and local requirements
- Collecting a transfer fee
Do not assume the firearm can be transferred simply because you were able to purchase it online. The Transfer Dealer must comply with all applicable laws before releasing the firearm to you.
12. Monitor Your Order
You can use My GunBroker to manage your buying activity and review items you have purchased or won.
Depending on the order, you may be able to:
- Complete Checkout
- Review order details
- View payment information
- Review order status
- View shipping or tracking information
- Print an invoice
- Leave feedback
Check My GunBroker for the most current information associated with your transaction.
13. Leave Feedback
After the transaction is complete, leave feedback describing your experience with the seller.
Feedback helps other GunBroker.com users make informed decisions when choosing who to do business with.
Feedback should be factual and focused on the transaction.
14. What If There Is a Problem with the Seller?
If you experience a problem with a transaction, first attempt to communicate with the seller through GunBroker.com.
Examples may include:
- The seller is not responding.
- Payment has been sent but the item has not shipped.
- The item has not arrived.
- There is a disagreement regarding the transaction.
If you are unable to resolve the issue directly with the seller, use GunBroker.com's Resolving Problems with the Seller resources for additional assistance.
Depending on the circumstances and payment method used, you may also be eligible for protection under GunBroker.com's Buyer's Protection Program (BPP).
Tips for a Successful Purchase
Before committing to any purchase:
- Read the entire listing.
- Review all photographs.
- Check the seller's feedback.
- Understand the seller's payment and shipping terms.
- Know the total cost of the transaction, including applicable shipping, taxes, fees, and FFL transfer fees.
- Confirm that the item can legally be shipped to and transferred in your location.
- Arrange for an FFL before purchasing a firearm when a transfer is required.
- Ask the seller questions before bidding or purchasing if anything is unclear.
- Use a payment method permitted by GunBroker.com policies.
- Never send payment using a prohibited person-to-person payment service.
- Keep transaction-related communication associated with your GunBroker.com order.
- Never place a bid unless you are prepared to complete the purchase.
Remember
GunBroker.com provides the online marketplace where buyers and sellers can connect and complete transactions. The items listed on GunBroker.com are offered by independent sellers.
As a buyer, you are responsible for reviewing the listing, understanding what you are purchasing, following the seller's terms, using an approved payment method, and ensuring that the item can legally be purchased, shipped, possessed, and transferred to you.
Taking a few minutes to review these details before you bid or buy can help ensure a safer and smoother transaction.