Gun auctions: the do’s and don’ts
You can pick up something very special but you need to obey the rules
![gun auctions](https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/How-to-Buy-a-Gun-at-Auction-385_257000911_428932742.jpg)
Gun auctions are an interesting day out, so take your time when you plan to visit one.
(Read more tips on buying a gun at auction here.)
Gun auctions
![Buying a gun at auction](https://shooting-live.boudig.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/SHT386.buyingagunatauction.how_to_buy_a_gun_at_auction_323_257000481_428932742.jpg)
Take along an experienced friend if you are new to shooting
You should
- Definitely attend the viewing or send along a friend who knows about guns. There’s nothing like handling the gun to get a proper feel of what you are buying. You’ll also need to know that it fits you.
- Take a knowledgeable friend with you if you can. Definitely if you are a novice shooter.
- The look of the gun will tell you a lot about it. If it has scratches and visible wear, then it’s seen hard action.
- Condition is everything when you are buying second-hand. (Read more on buying second-hand guns here.)
- Give yourself a budget and don’t budge from it, no matter how much you are tempted.
- Take a gun slip with you to the auction to take your gun home.
- Take your shotgun or firearms certificate with you. Make sure it is up to date and you have the necessary permission. (Read more on how to get a shotgun or firearm certificate.)
- Make sure you have room in your gun cabinet for your new gun or that you have a gun cabinet installed already. (Read more on gun cabinets here.)
Don’t
- Bid for a gun that you haven’t looked seen in the viewing.
- Lose your head in a bidding competition. You could spend more than the gun is worth.
- Forget your shotgun or firearms certificate.
- Bid for a gun that doesn’t fit you.
- Buy your first gun at an auction.
Do you have to tell the police when you send a gun to auction?
Six points for a gun check
- Examine the woodwork. It should be free from cracks and not softened by oil.
- No dents, bulges or pitting on the barrels.
- Ribs should not be loose.
- The ejectors should work properly on both barrels
- Listen for a tight closing and positive locking sound
- The ideal clearance between the barrels and the breech face when the gun is closed is zero.