I found a rifle I want to buy on Armslist and unfortunately it is in another state. I have read a number of horror stories about people getting scammed, so I am wary of just sending a money order to some stranger. I have a C&R license, but would asking the seller to go through an FFL on his end offer any sort of protection for me? I asked for additional pictures of the rifle and the seller e-mailed me some more photos. I did a reverse image search of his photos and they didn't pop up on google so I'm pretty sure he actually has the rifle in question. Any other steps I can take to protect myself? Thanks.

You might look into an escrow service.

I nearly got scammed on a 1911 ... my money order was out for delivery and some how I managed to get a hold of someone in the delivering PO and got the delivery stopped.

Can you pay through PayPal? That way if he takes the money and runs you have a way to fight to get your money back.

Not on a firearm transaction.  I believe Paypal bans all firearms related transactions and will tell you to pound sand if they find out the disputed transaction is related to guns.

For starters listen to your gut. It may be the one firearm you have always wanted, but if the price is too good to be true, or the ad seems fishy, or the photo looks stock, take a minute to evaluate. Trust your instincts.

I'm pretty sure this is a scam now. Here is the ad in question: https://www.armslist.com/posts/6604776/connecticut-rifles-for-sale---rifle-is-not-import-marked
Between the low price, the sellers refusal to go through an FFL, and his poor grammer in our e-mail conversations I'd be very wary of sending any kind of payment. Might be worth it for a FTF sale if anyone lives in Connecticut, but too great risk for me.

It certainly has many of the hallmarks of an Armslist scam.  

Price too good to be true?  Check.
Vague location in ad?  Check.
Poor grammar and spelling in emails (or grammar/spelling level that's inconsistent with what was used in the ad itself)?  Check.

Accepted USPS money order or Bank Deposit.
and only wants $1,100?

It's a scam.

Very scammy

If you can't do an Armslist transaction through a FTF then don't do it at all

Meet face to face. Or don't buy. That is the only option on Armslist.

State listed twice in location = scam every single time.

One thing to do is always ask for pictures of specific areas of the gun.

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.

Here is how to categorize all Armslist listings:

Q: Is it a firearm listed on Armslist?
A: It's a scam

this is my rule