I am intrigued by the frequent listings of M16s for sale on Armslist.com at prices that are well below market. Current examples that caught my eye include:

http://www.armslist.com/posts/4071354/madison-wisconsin-nfa-firearms-for-sale-trade--colt-m16-carbine-w-bushmaster-16

http://www.armslist.com/posts/4042593/florida-nfa-firearms-for-sale--colt-m16a1-carbine-

http://www.armslist.com/posts/4038123/pennsylvania-nfa-firearms-for-sale---m16-by-sgw-transferable-machine-gun (By the way, I recognize the description on this one as having been lifted from a recent Frank Goepfert listing on Gunbroker. See http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=467122234)

http://www.armslist.com/posts/3939394/ohio-nfa-firearms-for-sale--colt-m16a1

I understand that sellers may sometimes want a quick, easy sale, and be willing to discount. But I am not going to be the one to try to figure out which one(s) those might be. I am curious, however, if anyone has tips on how to weed out a scammer, other than if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. (And, of course, that it is better to buy from someone with a good reputation or, at a minimum check out the firearm and seller in person before providing any money.)

I am also curious if anyone has any theories as to why there are not more warnings on the internet about Armslist scams (in contrast to Sturmgeweher.com, which seems to generate a lot of warnings.). I am also curious if local police, BATFE or other federal law enforcement are willing to pursue criminal charges when potential buyers are defrauded.    

Thanks for your thoughts.

Scams, armslist is full of them

If its too good to be true, it's usually not true.

As far as people wanting a "quick sale" there are literally dozens of reputable dealers that will pay 70-90% of the going price in cash within 24hrs of the sale so there is absolutely no reason for someone to post a ad on armslist.com for 50% or less of the going rate, just doesn't make any sense.

Along with excessively cheap prices sellers don't want to meet in person. If it seems sketch you don't even have to actually visit, just call their bluff by trying to arrange a meeting, act like you are local, if they are scamming they will be backed I to a corner.

You can also pay dealers to broker a private transaction. This will keep the seller honest, plus the dealer can help identify people scamming. There are still risks buying on other sites but the moderators keep a watchful eye for such sketching activity.