TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE YOU BUY A GUN ACCESSORY ONLINE

As any shooter knows, firearms and firearm-related products are more expensive than ever. Many consumers try to get around the price increases by buying ammo or a gun accessory online. However, while this might seem like a smart move, it can lead to more trouble than it’s worth, for the following reasons:

1. Online gun accessories are highly uneven in terms of quality. One example is the huge number of aftermarket parts available for the Ruger 10/22. While some of these products are almost as good as what you’d get from Ruger itself, many are low-grade knock-offs that can’t be relied on. Take the high-capacity “banana” clips that hold 50 rounds or more. Check their reviews, and you’ll find out how prone they are to jamming. You’ll find plenty of similar accounts about aftermarket barrels, trigger assemblies, stocks, etc.  

2. Any part is only as good as the company that sells it. The problem is, anyone with a couple hundred bucks can set up shop online in a few hours. This encourages the rise of fly-by-night operators looking to make a quick buck at the expense of unwary customers. Many buyers have jumped at a “deal of a lifetime,” only to never get the item they paid for.

3. Last but not least, some firearms owners are less than honest with themselves about their gunsmithing skills. Even if the part you receive is top-quality, it can still damage or destroy your weapon if it’s installed incorrectly. Unfortunately, when this happens, the buyer has no one to blame but himself.

Are we saying you should avoid buying a gun accessory online? No. However, you should only use trusted sites that have a reputation for treating their customers well. So check reviews, ask friends and family members for recommendations, and do a little homework before buying over the Internet. In the end, you’ll find that the money and trouble you save is worth the effort.