Yep, that was another "choice" thing about Armslist - 98% of the ads (like THOUSANDS of them) were all from this drop-shipping lowlife "dealer" in the southern part of the state who had zero in stock but suckered buyers with talk about his "warehouses" (distributors). It was an odd name - a common name, but started with a Z instead.
ARMSLIST is not involved in any transaction, we do not handle payments, guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, or offer "buyer protection" or "seller certification"" So it's not Armslist's fault your buddy ignored all that and engaged in a long distance transaction. Build a man a fire and he'll be warm for a day.
Here in Colorado Armslist isnt too bad. If I was trying to sell on Armslist I'd include contact info in the ad so non-paying lookers can contact me. I think Armslist is still viable if the seller works it right. I've bought guns off it at least a year including pawnshop sellers.
Armslist has some of the most ridiculous prices I've seen. I use EE, Vaguntrader, and occasionally Gunbroker.
If you live in MN you know all about the changes that hit August of 2023. Private sales now require filling out a form that both the buyer and seller have to keep for 10 years, and there is also a requirement for a backround check...although that part of the law seems to be covered if the buyer...
The problem is people who use Armslist in a way it wasn't intended to be used - long distance transactions. They don't follow the Armslist rules, then cry and blame Armslist when they end up getting scammed. If people would use Armslist the way it was intended, scammers would never have been a significant problem.