Buying on Rock Island Auction Company

I was out looking at the current offerings in RIA. I've never bought something on that site because it really doesn't give a lot of information on the rifle. For instance;

Lot 1207: U.S. Springfield Model 1899 Krag-Jorgensen Bolt Action Carbine

It shows right and left sides no receivers marking, doesn't tell you anything about the bore, really there is nothing to go off of. Why would anyone but a firearm from them or am I just missing something?

or better yet this Lot 3461: U.S. Remington 03-A4 Sniper w/Scope, Case, Tools Man I would love to have this rifle but how do I even know its the real thing without any good information or pictures?

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Originally Posted by usabaker

I was out looking at the current offerings in RIA. I've never bought something on that site because it really doesn't give a lot of information on the rifle. For instance;

Lot 1207: U.S. Springfield Model 1899 Krag-Jorgensen Bolt Action Carbine

It shows right and left sides no receivers marking, doesn't tell you anything about the bore, really there is nothing to go off of. Why would anyone but a firearm from them or am I just missing something?

or better yet this Lot 3461: U.S. Remington 03-A4 Sniper w/Scope, Case, Tools Man I would love to have this rifle but how do I even know its the real thing without any good information or pictures?

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I get what you mean. They sell on reputation more than details.
However, that 03A3 is real. If it wasn’t, you wouldn’t be able to read the receiver “crest” information with the scope mount on - the 03A3 had it moved over so you *could* read it.

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Originally Posted by rcathey

that 03A3 is real. If it wasn’t

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Do you think my wife would be too unhappy if she saw a $3000.00 charge on our Credit Card? LOL

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Originally Posted by usabaker

Do you think my wife would be too unhappy if she saw a $3000.00 charge on our Credit Card? LOL

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Probably depends on the source of the charge. I know of certain locations just the other side of the river here in St. Louis that use “discreet” names for the charges. I’m sure Rock Island could work something out. Some sort of charitable sounding organization perhaps.

I have customer who buys from that auction. Has them call only to his cell an wait for postal money order as he doesn’t want his wife to find out. He has bid on a few heavy duck model 12's which were very very nice compared to there pictures. Kinda funny when he come to pick up his winnings with empty hard case so his wife doesn’t find out.:lol::lol:

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Originally Posted by mmppres

Has them call only to his cell an wait for postal money order as he doesn’t want his wife to find out.

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That's funny... So the firearms from RIA are always worth the money from what you have seen?

My wife knows about every firearm I buy; she will never say no if I ask. In reality, I'm the one that normally feels bad spending the money on rifles and parts. That's not to say she hasn't rolled her eyes when I say I'm "planning" on buying another rifle.

The bigger problems is I have no more room in my 48 gun, gun safe they are already leaning against each other I've had to put gunsocks on them.

That reminds me, I have to put my gun case in the SUV right now before I forget, I have to pick up my Model of 1917 tomorrow!



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Originally Posted by rcathey

Some sort of charitable sounding organization perhaps.

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I think that would go over worse than a rifle. ;)

My mate if he thought he was in the pile said "I'd open the front door carefully then throw my motor bike helmet in there, if the axe went through the helmet I slept in the shed." I use the motto stay on the bottom rung therefore the fall from grace is not to far and easier to get back as I am sure my wife is going to see my presents to myself for my B/day, but it saves me getting something that I already have (Happened before) and smiling saying "Gee thanks just what I wanted, I can put that with the other ones I have." :madsmile:

Why do people buy, well a guy I know just sold a flint pistol for $65,000.00 US, it was rare and RI has a good reputation.

I don't follow RIA because of their tendency to group firearms in lots mixing C&R items with others requiring an FFL. This negates m C&R and adds to my cost to obtain. There is better fish in the sea.

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Originally Posted by usabaker

think my wife would be too unhappy

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Tell her it's for her...she'll be overjoyed.

I can with a honest heart say that the firearms are worth what they bring from what I see an hold. There reputation is there word.

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Originally Posted by usabaker

So the firearms from RIA are always worth the money from what you have seen?

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I always bid low and I have been very pleased with what I’ve got from RIA.

They are very professional and answer email questions quickly. I’ve also talked with Casandra Braeckevelt a few times on the phone. If you want more information on an item, they will provide it.

From time to time you will see people get into a bidding war and over pay for something. But that happens in every kind of auction. It’s not RIA’s fault.

I have purchased guns from Rock island twice and have gotten my money back both times and to include the shipping. 1st time I ordered a luger commercial with stock and p38, after checking on phone with them allthough not pictured they assured me that if the stock was on the lott log in it would be included. Guns got here no stock, although it was sold in a subsequent action for 2500. Next time ordered 32 cal pistols and the ortgies came and had been modified to shoot 22 so it was worthless after call after call they returned at their expense. Wont be buying from them anymore and have you seen their fees are over 20%. shady