anyone bought guns from these folks?? I bought ammo from them twice. It was just as advertised, and I am happy with my purchases. I'd be interested in some of their rifles, but their ideas of condition and mine are very different. Has anyone bought a rifle from them. I'd like to know if you are happy with your purchase, any troubles, any other feedback. Thank you.
toolowradiation
There are several posts on this forum in just the last week detailing how badly their firearms purchases went. Plenty of YouTube videos as well. I personally have seen what they ship out. It is one step above pure garbage at premium prices. I would highly suggest you find what you are looking for from the trader here. You may pay the same price but you will get something exponentially better.
And I would disagree with the above with the caveat....it depends on what you are buying.
Keep in mind some of what they are selling is not available readily elsewhere or at least through retail sources. They really got off on the wrong foot with the Ethiopia shipments by wire wheeling to "improve" condition and their rep has struggled to deal with that.
They also were grading on a scale relative to that shipment so their "good" Ethiopian carcano was not the same as a "good" Italian carcano in most cases.
That being said ..if it makes you happy then go for it. I have been more than happy with my purchases from them.
Keep in mind some of what they are selling is not available readily elsewhere or at least through retail sources. They really got off on the wrong foot with the Ethiopia shipments by wire wheeling to "improve" condition and their rep has struggled to deal with that.
They also were grading on a scale relative to that shipment so their "good" Ethiopian carcano was not the same as a "good" Italian carcano in most cases.
That being said ..if it makes you happy then go for it. I have been more than happy with my purchases from them.
Their rifles are generally pretty rough for anything that had decent ammo availability. Anything where the ammo supply has been dried up for decades, they may actually be in OK shape, just expect potential wire wheeling. Anything black powder tends to be in better condition than not, just dirty as hell
Hmmm anything they have is available elsewhere?
If you say so...you can't prove it but go ahead and believe it.
They sell what they sell...buy or don't buy...but know you aren't buying a museum piece but you are buying a piece that has history.
Keep in mind that collectors used to frown on T53s, Russian capture k98s, most combloc Mausers, most 91/30s etc etc etc so buy what you want for your reasons.
If you say so...you can't prove it but go ahead and believe it.
They sell what they sell...buy or don't buy...but know you aren't buying a museum piece but you are buying a piece that has history.
Keep in mind that collectors used to frown on T53s, Russian capture k98s, most combloc Mausers, most 91/30s etc etc etc so buy what you want for your reasons.
Just say no.
If you ever want to shoot it that is. If you like “authentic patina” and are happy to hang it on the wall and not be able to get your money back, sure, go ahead.
They provide a lot of fairly interesting rifles at vastly reduced condition and a huge price premium compared to the going rate if you’re patient and watch the market.
If you ever want to shoot it that is. If you like “authentic patina” and are happy to hang it on the wall and not be able to get your money back, sure, go ahead.
They provide a lot of fairly interesting rifles at vastly reduced condition and a huge price premium compared to the going rate if you’re patient and watch the market.
I’ve probably bought a few dozen rifles from them. The Italian import Carcano rifles are good buys. I’d always recommend paying the hand select fee from RTI. I also think the 6.5 Vetterli rifles overall are pretty good.
everything else can be hit or miss. 45-45 chance to get a junk rifle or a okay ugly but shoot able rifle. Small chance to get something neat. Don’t buy anything they first list as a random you get what you get rifle. Wait to see what everyone else gets. However they started listing individual rifles at a premium and they’re pretty accurate on the descriptions.
everything else can be hit or miss. 45-45 chance to get a junk rifle or a okay ugly but shoot able rifle. Small chance to get something neat. Don’t buy anything they first list as a random you get what you get rifle. Wait to see what everyone else gets. However they started listing individual rifles at a premium and they’re pretty accurate on the descriptions.
The early descriptions may have left something to be desired. Or buyers though the descriptions were conservative. If you read carefully and comprende English. RTI tell you right up front the guns are terrible. And they are spot on. I got a Gras and a Vetterli, junk. All the metal was brutally wire wheeled. But exactly as described and exactly what I expected. I dont see any hit or miss with my two. I read the words and saw many photos on this forum. I knew about the value destroying cleaning procedure. Someone posted that wire brush had been stopped! No way. He is still positng that! They are still wire wheeling the junky stuff.
I waited to get home with these Lebel were sold out at $300. Read this and tell me what not to understand? They also have B grade. I chose this becasue I still have the link. If they come back I will grab one.
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I waited to get home with these Lebel were sold out at $300. Read this and tell me what not to understand? They also have B grade. I chose this becasue I still have the link. If they come back I will grab one.
I have had 50/50 success with them. The wire wheel really gets me and I have resolved to be done with them. But they are a source for firearms. I prefer gun shows or Simpsons but opportunities for firearms are getting fewer and I have collected since the days of cheap imports. My advice: Look at the reviews, look at what you are interested in, and then give them a try if you need to. However, keep this in mind: Every firearm I have bought at a gunshow or Simpsons, is in way better shape than anything I have gotten from them. BUT, they do have deals on some hard to get firearms. Its a personal choice, just like what you collect. Do your research and just don't look at the price.
I will say this, I bought a k11 from them when they listed them 6 months back or so. It was listed as excellent, and It was in VG condition. Not really a complaint, seeing as I paid 400 for it, which was a fantastic deal. The Bore was brand new looking, and that has been the biggest problems with their rifles as far as i've seen. That being said, those swiss rifles did not come out of Ethiopia, so take that into consideration. I'd say be careful, and it really is a milsurp lottery.
Here's a link to the $219 Carcano Carbine I bought last year from RTI. I'm pleased with my 1935 Terni made gun!
1935 Terni Carcano Carbine
1935 Terni Carcano Carbine
Not an Italian firearm, but...
I bought one of their Garands. As someone mentioned, it was listed individually, and I was able to look at multiple pictures of it. I am satisfied with what I received. It was a 1943 SA, with all SA parts and (I think) the original barrel. Worn, but not broken. No wire wheel, no "restored". It cleaned up very nicely. The stock is the one that went to Ethiopia on it, and as I understand it was sent in the 1960's. Note, I didn't want something refurbished or rebuilt with a new barrel by the CMP, I'm too far away to go to their storefronts, and I didn't want to roll the dice on a random purchase. What I got was something that once was on the rack in a US arsenal, and then came back home. Even cleaned up, you'd never mistake it for "new", but I didn't want new- I wanted something with history.
If you go into it with this understanding, I think you can find worthy deals.
I bought one of their Garands. As someone mentioned, it was listed individually, and I was able to look at multiple pictures of it. I am satisfied with what I received. It was a 1943 SA, with all SA parts and (I think) the original barrel. Worn, but not broken. No wire wheel, no "restored". It cleaned up very nicely. The stock is the one that went to Ethiopia on it, and as I understand it was sent in the 1960's. Note, I didn't want something refurbished or rebuilt with a new barrel by the CMP, I'm too far away to go to their storefronts, and I didn't want to roll the dice on a random purchase. What I got was something that once was on the rack in a US arsenal, and then came back home. Even cleaned up, you'd never mistake it for "new", but I didn't want new- I wanted something with history.
If you go into it with this understanding, I think you can find worthy deals.
@toolowradiation , the recent Italian Carcano imports are generally a good gamble. Worst case scenario, the parts will be worth more than you paid for the rifle if you get one of the $150 ones. For the Ethiopian stash, it's absolutely hit or miss. I got a wirebrushed M95 that was disappointing, an M1870/87/15 that was about what was expected, and a Dutch Beaumont that was better than expected. Since they've revised their condition descriptions, I think most of the negative reviews are people getting exactly what they told they would get versus something better than described.
I have bought a few guns from them, and all except the Italian stuff from Egypt has been good. I got a 1943 Inland M1 Carbine from them in practically new condition for $799, but my $129 Cavalry Carbine‘s bore looked like a rusty sewer pipe, although it cleaned up to be a usable gun. You need to be willing to gamble with them. From what I’ve read, instead of a “purchase” button, they need a “roll the dice” button.
It’s a pity though. They used to be a really good company to do business with, and we’re responsive to questions and inquiries. That all changed around the time Covid hit.
It’s a pity though. They used to be a really good company to do business with, and we’re responsive to questions and inquiries. That all changed around the time Covid hit.
If you are looking for a museum-quality piece, move on.
BUT, I now own the following firearms that I never expected to own: Lee Speed, VZ 70/87, Berdan 2, Mannlicher 88/90. Were they affordable for me? Yes. Are they beat up? Yes. Are they functional? Yes.
Go in with your eyes open and set your expectations appropriately.
BUT, I now own the following firearms that I never expected to own: Lee Speed, VZ 70/87, Berdan 2, Mannlicher 88/90. Were they affordable for me? Yes. Are they beat up? Yes. Are they functional? Yes.
Go in with your eyes open and set your expectations appropriately.
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