Here's a nice K1 Merkel with a buy it now price of $2,400.00. Price is very fair. But, seller has NR feedback rating. Said he bought it new at Cabela's.
Search at GunBroker:
Merkel K1 270 with Swarovski Scope, leather sling.

Question:
What would you do?

Choices:
Keep looking.
Ask for more information.
Request original receipt and then buy it.
Other.

 

I'd ask for contact info and talk with the person on the phone first. Great buy if it's in good condition.

I agree a phone call is best to feel someone out. I already have a K1 in 7X57R or I would pursue it.

I'll often have him bring it to a local gunshop. Then I'll call the shop to verify it's in their possession. I'll then send the check and FFL by Priority Mail to the gunshop for the seller to pick up and OK shipment.

Biebs: Great if the sellers' FFL will go for that. Thanks. Never thought of that.
mdstewart: It's very clean except for a small chip out of the wood where the grip of the stock meets the metal.

Finally. It sold for $2,300.00. Hope someone on here got it. Cheers. CB

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:
I'll often have him bring it to a local gunshop. Then I'll call the shop to verify it's in their possession. I'll then send the check and FFL by Priority Mail to the gunshop for the seller to pick up and OK shipment.

I realize I'm late to the party but "What Biebs said." If a person on GB or any other forum that does not have established Bona Fides gets offended by one wanting to make sure of a straight up transaction, then I'm not gonna deal with him.

I watch the Merkel and Blazer Market pretty carefully. A K1 has the Recknagel Mounts, The half stock Merkel K3's are listed on Gunbroker for +/- $2,400 sans mounts and scope. Ya'll know what a used Swarovski will fetch. That sounds like one of those deals that is too good to be true!

ya!

GWB

That (too good to be true) was my first thought as well G. It seemed odd that it wasn't offered on an auction, just buy-it-now.
Before I posted this thread I checked him out a little and he seemed legit.
Now we''l see if he gets feedback on it.

I only buy what I can hold in my hands. Everything else could be just online junk.

At best buying any gun or horse is a crapshoot...Ya just never know..but I don't recall every getting ripped off for my money altogather..I have received some guns not quite up to snuff as declared, but I can handle that as a rule and I have very seldom returned one. 99% of the gun dealings Ive had have been positive and that's over my 83 years starting at about 13 years of age trading old saddles and bicycles or whatever for guns and gun stuff or visa versa..I have no real complaints that I recall, sometimes I didn't get the best deal,and that's my fault, its a learning exercise.. and its fun..