My ONLY Armslist purchase was a $2500.00 semi-1919a6. I was VERY scared about doing such a large purchase half way across the country. The end result was a great experience, and the process was the only way I would do it ever again (regardless of cost);
Actual voice communication to set conditions of deal, with exchanged email verifying set conditions.
(Transaction must go from FFL to FFL)
(Purchaser would add cost of sellers FFL to purchase)
(Seller would have item at his FFL ready to ship by a specific date/time)
(Purchaser has payment ready to send [to sellers FFL] in sealed envelope at his FFL by the same date/time)
(Purchaser FFL contacts seller FFL to verify items ready to ship both ways)
(Seller FFL holds received payment and Purchaser FFL holds received gun until both have been received and confirmed by FFLs)
(Seller picks up his payment, purchaser picks up his gun from their FFLs)
Transaction complete and witnessed!
P.S. I added a separate envelope, addressed to the sellers FFL, included with the payment that contained an additional $10 tip to him for the extra work in this transaction. I also tipped my FFL an extra $10 as well, both FFLs thanked me and said they would be happy to do repeat business anytime. I think the extra $70 ($25 FFL fee each and $20 tip) on this purchase was the best insurance you could find.
Just my $0.02, hope anyone has as easy transaction as I had.