Same as others here,
I have bought and sold on Armslist and gunbroker both.
More on Armslist.
I did get somewhat burned on Gunbroker, their help in a dispute was not like 100% coverage like ebay offers for instance. It was $500 maximum with a 10% deductible. 10% deductible -good grief.
It was a Dan Wesson Valor, the pics were low enough quality and took from angles to hide the idiot scratch, and other issues, major one was the weapon would seize up after just a few rounds when shot. The stainless had some gauling apparently, you could not feel it, but that slide would seize up. . I had to send it to Dan Wesson customer service, they fixed it up, no charge and sent it back, 100% fine working order. Kudos to DW customer service !!
It had been listed as "Like New", first the seller said he would issue full refund, then I guess he thought he would just see how it would play out if he refused to refund, He refused to answer emails , texts or phone calls, numerous calls and waiting on Gunbroker to review the case, they really drag their feet,,, i filled my paperwork , and wait, and wait, then a email from Gunbroker asking for information that was already given to them in the documents , 2 times they did that, it was VERY frustrating ! Didn't get a penny.
Lesson learned.
On Armslist I have done several local transactions where we just meet
, you get a feel after numerous emails and a phone call if they are BS or not. ie; See a guy on Armslist selling a Colt Python for $700 you can kinda bet it's a scam. Use lots of discernment.
I have also bought and sold out of sate numerous times there on Armslist, same as above, I never had any issues,,,, knock on wood.
I did have one guy out of state, he was the seller , we emailed, I didn't give my whereabouts, something wasn't right, just a gut thing, he was eager and no problem to ship me the pistol, just needed that money order,,,,,,I Google maped his city and picked a small town 20 miles away, I told him, I'm gonna be in xyz town tomorrow, let's meet and do this deal, he declined, said no face to face, and wouldn't answer anymore messages. Sooo, maybe another lesson learned.
An escrow company would be great idea if readily accessible to both parties , but I haven't used one or know one.
Obviously face to face is the way to go though.
Use lots of discernment
Good luck