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Is “MEGA” Better? | G5 Megameat Broadheads Review

In this review, I’m testing the Today, I’m going to be doing a retest of a head I did a couple of years ago. I’ve gotten so many requests to retest it, and since I’ve updated my broadhead test process, I’m going to be re-testing the Megameat, from G5 Outdoors.

First of all, Megameat… what a cool name!

And, it’s also a really intriguing broadhead! It has a super big cut, and it’s rear-deploying. There’s a lot to like about this head, so let’s see how it stacks up against other broadheads I’ve tested!

For this review, I’m using my Bowtech CP28, set at 72 pounds, with a 27-inch draw. I’m using Bishop FOC King Arrows for most of the shooting, but then I’m using the Bishop FAD Eliminators for the really hard impact shots.

G5 Megameat Up Close

Let’s zoom in and go through some of the design features and specifications of the G5 Megmeat!

G5 megameat profile

Here’s a good look of the 100-grain Megameat and there are a few things I want to point out right off the bat… it’s really tight and has a very low profile in flight, which is nice for such a big cutting broadhead.

G5 megameat ballistic tip

And, they also come with a ballistic matched tip that flies just like the broadhead. So, you can practice with this and know that the broadhead is going to fly similarly.

megameat ferrule and blade thickness

As for the materials, it has a stainless steel ferrule and the blades are also a steel, at 0.032″ thick. Now, I just want to note that the 3 edges of this ferrule are in between each of the main cutting blades. So, it actually is like 6 cutting surfaces.

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megameat chisel tip

It has the 3 big blades and then 3 little edges in between. That’s just going to open up a really nice wound channel. Most broadheads have the chisel tip line up with those blades and that aids in penetration, but this is going to aid in cutting more stuff, which is why you get the Megameat in the first place, right?

megameat blades snap in

The blades are held in place by this base here. They clip into the base. That base is replaceable and they snap in very securely. It holds them very securely even out of a crossbow.

megameat in fully open position

And then when they’re in the fully open position they have a whopping big cut. So 2″ cutting diameter with 3 blades plus these little 3 gives it a total cut of 3.45″. That’s a lot of stuff being cut!

The Megameat has a nice short profile to the steel ferrule. While, I imagined the ferrule would be pretty durable, and the clips would hold the blades well, even at high speeds, I did wonder about the durability of the blades.

The blades slide pretty freely and are quite vented. They have a pretty standard diameter, or standard cut.

Our standard width here is 0.032″, but with a relatively thin design, and all that venting and then being so long, I thought that might be a weak point the the head.

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G5 Outdoors Megameat 100 Grain Broadhead 3 Pk, Stainless Steel (MM100)
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Megameat Broadhead Tests

So, let’s find out what the tests showed!

Flight Forgiveness (I field pt then I broadhead @30 yds):  

megameat flight test

The Megameat had excellent flight, with the broadheads flying near the field points.

Initial Sharpness Test

megameat initial sharpness test

It only took 150 grams of force to cut through the wire which is a 10 on a 10-point scale!

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Penetration Test 1 (2/3″ rubber mat, 1/2″ MDF, FBI Gel):   

megameat ballistic gel test

It penetrated 6 1/2″. And here, you can see the entrance hole, which is just about its full cutting diameter. These heads really do open well on impact….

megameat bent blades after ballistic gel mdf test

But on the negative side, all 3 blades bent back quite a bit and that’s pretty rare that blades bend on this penetration test 1.

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Edge Retention Test (sharpness after Penetration Test 1)

megameat sharpness after penetration test

It took an additional 25 grams of force to cut through the wire, which is a 9.5 on a 10-point scale.

Penetration Test 2 (layered cardboard)

megameat cardboard penetration test

It penetrated through 49 layers of cardboard.

Angled Shot Test (1/4″ MDF Carpet)

The Megameat had no problem penetrating the angled MDF.

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Durability Test (1/2″ MDF max 3 shots)

megameat after 1 shot into MDF

Here is the Megameat after one shot into the MDF and this was a new broadhead. I didn’t use the one that had previously bent on penetration test 1. I normally just use the same head all the way through. But since that was so bent, I started with a new head. And this is what happened just after one shot through the MDF. Normally, I do three shots, but I stopped after one because it was just so jacked up. So, it’s not going to go on to the steel plate test that I typically do.

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Cinder Block Test

megameat cinder block results

So, here it is after impacting the concrete. Now as you saw, the blades got considerably bent on the MDF. And so, they didn’t make it to the steel plate round and even lost one of these blades. I used a pair of pliers to bend this blade back so I could shoot it into the cinder block, because I wanted to see how the ferrule would hold up. And man, the ferrule held up really well into the cinder block. The blades are just pretty weak because they are so long and they are so narrow and vented. But the ferrule did very well.

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Final Thoughts On G5 Megameat Broadheads

So, what do you think of the Megameat?

Man, there are a lot of cool features about this broadhead! I like the flight. I love the cut size. I love the rear-deploying blades and the way they open up to their full cut on impact. I also love the durability of the ferrule. That held up really well.

But man, the blades are weak!

I just wish they were stronger. I know in many situations, you can shoot it into an animal and it’s going to do just fine. I would say in most situations, it’s going to do just that. But, the blades are still just a bit weak.

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So, how important that is for you… that’s up to you to determine. They bent very badly even in penetration test 1 (it’s rare that I see a broadhead get bent or damaged in that test), and then in the MDF, they just got all mangled. So, there is definitely a drawback.

Some people say, “Oh, it doesn’t matter. It’s one and done.” And I hear you.

But, it’s not just about being able to reuse the broadhead. If it’s one and done a quarter of the way through an animal, that’s a problem. It’s when does the “done” take place?

If it hits a rib or hits a bone, or maybe just an angled shot, and loses a couple of blades, or has some severely broken or bent back then maybe you’re not getting the big cutting diameter that you were really hoping for.

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megameat lusk score card

The G5 Megameat scored 80.95 out of a possible 100 points on the Lusk Score Card, giving it 8 golden arrows.

But, if you hit in the right spot, man, you’re going to really make a huge hole and put them down fast. So, that’s up to you to determine whether that’s a reasonable risk to take.

John Lusk archery goat
John Lusk of Lusk Archery Adventures
Beast broadheads review header image

Beast or Pussycat? | The Bowmar BEAST Broadheads Review

I am excited about the broadhead I’m testing in this review… It’s the new BEAST Broadhead by Bowmar.

BEAST is actually an acronym that stands for Bone Evading Advanced Spring Technology.

This broadhead has a lot of cool features, so let’s go through those features and specifications and then we will put it to the test!

For these tests, I used my Bowtech CP28 set at 72 pounds, 27-inch draw. I used Bishop FOC King Arrows for most of the shooting, but then I’m using the Bishop FAD Eliminators for the really hard impact shots.

The Bowmar BEAST broadhead up close

Beast broadhead profile view

Here’s a good look of the BEAST. And man, it truly is a beast of a broadhead! There is so much going on here. First of all, you see it here in the close position, 2-blade broadhead. This is a 2-inch cutting diameter. In the closed position, it closes to 0.64″, so I assumed it would be very streamlined in flight and fly extremely well.

The point of the BEAST broadhead is a needle point tip. I actually thought I had cut myself when I touched it!

beast ferrule tip

You can see here that the ferrule starts really narrow at the tip, and then gets larger. That’s going to help in arrow dynamics and flight forgiveness as well as penetration. Also, notice the multiple groves in the ferrule as well as the tip and that’s going to aid in flight forgiveness as well. As it rotates around, it traps air in there and makes it a bit more forgiving as well as helping with durability.

The blades take 1.3 pounds of force to deploy, and they deploy with 15 pounds of force at 750 miles an hour. So, they are not losing the energy with that penetration.

They are actually gaining some with that stored energy that allows those blades to cut through the hide in an even faster way than they would have if they didn’t have that spring inside them.

beast broadhead wings

The two little wings at the front that impact the hide are not sharpened. But, when they impact, a spring is released and then the blades spring open at 750 miles per hour! (On the package, it says 650 but they have since added an extra component inside that actually increases the deployment speed to 750 miles an hour). That’s actually breaking the sound barrier! Plus, if you’re shooting it at 250, 300 feet per second, it’s all the faster.

Bowmar wanted to get a spring that could stay closed like this for a long time and then still work. And so, they looked all over the world and found these springs in the auto industry by a company that makes them for Lamborghini and Ferrari.

The spring has 15 pounds of stored energy inside the broadhead, but can stay in a closed (contracted) position and still retain 95% of its energy for 3-5 years. There’s never been a spring used like this in a broadhead application; it’s not just your normal little spring!

beast broadhead blade thickness

The blades of the BEAST broadheads are 0.035″ thick. They have a nice curve to them when they are open. That curve is going to aid in penetration and cut as well.

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Beast broadhead in open position

Here are the blades of the BEAST in the open position.

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beast broadhead gloves

Note that each pack comes with two little finger gloves so that you can grab the blades, and that’s what you need to wear when you want to close them again. You just grab them and pinch them down. It works really well. Don’t try doing it with your bare hands, as the blades are extremely sharp.

Once the spring is deployed, it pushes the blades into the open position. It’s not barbed because these blades can fold back beyond just their barb stage. But, I will say they are difficult to get out of a target.

I shot them into a target and though they do bend back, they don’t bend back so much that they’re super easy to get out of. So, I wouldn’t be shooting them into targets too often.

beast broadhead blade tension

But here, the springs serve a secondary purpose after being opened. If bone is encountered, then the blades can compress back, and that allows them to stay straight as they continue to penetrate and not lose their edge and not lose the energy. They just can go right around that blade and then they spring back into place after a quarter of an inch. So that extra tension can allow them to go right between or around bone and then spring back to their full open position.

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beast broadhead aluminum ferrule

This head is the 100 grain and so it uses an aluminum ferrule (7075 aluminum) which is a really good aluminum. I always say if you are going to use aluminum, that’s a good one to use. It’s stronger than some steels. But, perhaps in heavier models that come out in the future, they will use all steel, not sure.

Bowmar BEAST Broadhead Testing

I was eager to put this BEAST broadhead to the test! Here’s what I learned…

Flight Forgiveness (I field pt then I broadhead @30 yds)  

beast broadheads flight test

As you can see, the BEAST flew right next to the field points, as you would expect from an expandable.

Initial Sharpness

beast broadheads initial sharpness test

It only took 125 grams of force to cut through the wire which is a 10 on a 10-point scale.

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Penetration Test 1 (2/3″ rubber mat, 1/2″ MDF, FBI Gel)   

beast broadhead ballistic gel test

It penetrated 7-3/4″. And here’s the entrance hole. It opened an inch and a half on this medium and it’s not uncommon for heads to not fully open on this medium so I’ll do a more formal opening test in a minute.

Edge Retention Test (sharpness after Penetration Test 1)

beast broadheads 2nd sharpness test

Wow! It took no additional force to cut through the wire, which is a 10 on a 10-point scale.

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Penetration Test 2 (layered cardboard)

beast broadhead layered cardboard test

The BEAST penetrated through 52 layers of cardboard.

Opening Test (Leather stretched over box)

beast broadheads leather stretched over box

The entrance hole was 1-3/4″. But, on the back of the box, it had opened up to almost 2-1/2″.

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Angled Shot Test (1/4″ MDF/Carpet)

beast broadhead in angled mdf

It had no problem with the angled MDF.

Durability Test (1/2″ MDF max 3 shots)

beast broadheads after shots into mdf

It was in great shape after 3 shots through the MDF. The only signs of wear are right close to the ferrule where you can see the blades kicked forward into the tip and made a little bit of a dent in the blade there.

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Durability Test (22 gauge steel plate max 2 shots)

beast broadheads 22 gauge steel plate test holes

It held up very well through the 2 shots in a steel plate. You can see it got a little bit of edge chatter in the edges of the blades and the tip got a little bit rolled over. And then you can see the holes. They are a little smaller than the cutting diameter and that’s just because of that spring mechanism. They can’t open fully when going through a steel plate, which is understandable.

Concrete Test

beast expandable broadhead embedded in concrete

I shot the BEAST into a concrete block. The tip embedded really deeply into the concrete which was pretty cool to see. There’s no getting that thing out!

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beast expandable broadhead after concrete test

So here it is after impacting the concrete. And as you can see, it broke right there in the ferrule. I managed to find one of the blades that had flown quite a way across the yard. And I as I say all the time, the concrete test is not like a pass-fail. It’s not like, “Oh, this broadhead failed because it didn’t hold up to the concrete.” That only accounts for 3% of the overall score. As for the durability of this, man, it held up very well through the MDF and the steel plate as well.

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Final Thoughts On The Bowmar BEAST Broadheads Review

So what do you think of the BEAST?

Man, there’s a lot to love about this broadhead! I love the low profile and the flight, as well as the super secure retention system blades. There are no O-rings and no clips. And, I love the spring action that they have in there.

I get the feeling that they’re going to be a lot more effective on animals than my testing really allows. There’s only so much you can do with standardized tests. But, even so, it did well in my testing, and I think it’s going to do even better on animals the way the spring causes those blades to just pop forward with such force.

beast broadhead lusk grade

The BEAST broadhead scored 91.86 out of 100 on my Lusk Grade scale!

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I love the blades and the sharpness. And then there’s the edge retention! That’s the sharpest and the best edge retention of anything I’ve tested. I’ve tested others that were 125, but this one was was 125 grams of force after going through penetration test 1. That’s super rare! I’ve never seen that before.

So again, just a lot to like about this broadhead. I look forward to seeing the future models that they come out with!

Josh Bowmar, you’re on to something really good here. I appreciate all your hard work and ingenuity in designing this head.

John Lusk archery goat
John Lusk of Lusk Archery Adventures
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Best Ways To Sell A Gun Online [Safely And Legally]

In today’s digital age, where online platforms lead the way in commercial transactions, the practice of selling firearms on the internet is on the rise. Yet, the delicate character of these deals demands utmost prudence and strict adherence to legal standards.

This piece is designed to steer you through the intricacies of online gun sales, with a strong emphasis on security, compliance with laws, and dependability. We will go into the most reputable sites for these exchanges, offering an in-depth manual for each to guarantee your selling experience is seamless, safe, and within legal boundaries.

Federal and State Regulations

Before you initiate the process of selling a gun online, it’s imperative to first immerse yourself in the nuanced legalities that dictate these transactions. In the United States, the rules overseeing firearm sales form a multifaceted matrix, rather than a single, overarching directive. This system represents a dynamic interaction of federal and state laws, each with its own stipulations that can considerably alter the expectations and obligations involved in what might seem like a simple sale.

The Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968

This foundational legislation regulates interstate gun commerce, requiring that any firearm crossing state lines must be sold through a licensed dealer. This step is crucial in maintaining a legal sale, even when conducted online. 

State-Specific Regulations

Beyond federal law, each state can, and often does, set its own rules for firearm sales. These can include mandatory background checks for all sales, waiting periods before the completion of a sale, and additional licenses or permits. It’s essential to consult your state’s laws to avoid any legal infringements.

Background Check Protocols

background check

While not always compulsory under federal law for private sales, conducting a background check can add a layer of security to your transaction. Several states have taken this a step further, making background checks a requirement for all firearm sales.

Waiting Periods

hourglass-with-blue-sand

Some states impose a waiting period between the purchase and possession of a firearm. This period is intended as a safety measure, potentially preventing crimes of passion by allowing for a “cooling-off” period. 

Firearm Type Restrictions

Certain states have bans or restrictions on the sale of specific types of firearms, such as assault weapons or high-capacity magazines. Ensure that the firearm you intend to sell is legal in the jurisdiction of both the seller and the buyer. 

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Record-Keeping Requirements

Depending on your state, you may be required to keep records of your firearm sales, including information about the buyer and the firearm. Proper record-keeping can assist in the recovery of firearms if they are lost or stolen and is a critical part of responsible gun ownership.

Given the complexity of gun laws, it might be beneficial to seek advice from a legal expert, especially if you’re conducting high-volume sales or are unsure about specific legal requirements.

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Venturing beyond the conventional avenues for online firearm transactions, platforms such as Armslist.com and numerous firearms forums present themselves as unique alternatives. While they foster a sense of community and offer a different flavor of experience, they also introduce a distinct array of complexities and obligations that sellers must navigate.

Where and How to Sell Your Firearm Safely

Now that you’re equipped with a thorough understanding of the federal and state regulations governing firearm sales, you’re prepared to enter the digital marketplace.

Selling a gun online, while convenient, requires navigating through various platforms, each with its unique features and requirements.

Below, we go into the most reputable websites for firearm transactions, providing you with a comprehensive guide to ensure your selling experience is not only seamless but also secure and compliant with legal standards.

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CashForArms.com

cash for arms website

In the realm of online firearm sales, Cash For Arms has emerged as a market leader, redefining the standards of convenience, speed, and customer satisfaction.

Renowned for its unparalleled ease of use, Cash For Arms is currently the most formidable figure in the online gun-selling space, offering users the fastest and simplest way to transition from gun owners to satisfied sellers.

Overview and Credibility

Cash For Arms is not just a platform; it’s a commitment to stress-free, transparent, and rapid transactions. It’s the epitome of user-centric operations, where the entire process is tailored to ensure you don’t just sell but sell with confidence and peace of mind.

The platform’s credibility is reflected in its user testimonials, with many praising its competitive offers, prompt payments, and exceptional customer service.

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The Fastest and Easiest Way to Sell

When you choose Cash For Arms, you’re opting for the market’s quickest route from quote to cash. The platform’s streamlined three-step process eliminates all unnecessary hurdles, helping you sell your gun without cumbersome delays or hidden fees.

You simply submit your gun’s details, review and accept your offer, and receive your payment — all with the assurance of legal compliance and secure transactions.

A Stronghold in the Market

In the competitive arena of online gun sales, Cash For Arms stands out as the strongest contender. Its reputation is not just built on promises but on a track record of delivering the best experience possible for every customer.

Whether you’re selling a single firearm or an entire collection, Cash For Arms is the go-to destination for sellers seeking reliability, legality, and the best value for their firearms.

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Gunbroker.com

gunbroker.com screen shot

As one of the most well-known online firearm marketplaces, Gunbroker.com holds a significant position in the industry. Its extensive user base and wide array of listings make it a go-to platform for many gun enthusiasts. However, while it offers a robust platform for buying and selling firearms, there are certain aspects that users should be cautious of…

Extensive Market

Gunbroker.com operates much like an auction house, where sellers list their firearms and buyers place bids. The platform doesn’t purchase your firearms directly, which means the sale isn’t instantaneous.

Sellers must manage their listings, respond to potential buyers, and often wait for the auction to end, which can be time-consuming.

Additionally, this format doesn’t guarantee a sale, as your firearm sells only if the reserve price is met.

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Fees and Additional Costs

Gunbroker.com charges listing and final value fees, meaning a portion of your sale’s proceeds goes to the platform. While this is standard for many online marketplaces, it’s something to consider when calculating the net gain from your sale.

Additionally, the responsibility for legal compliance, such as background checks and following firearm shipping laws, falls entirely on the seller, potentially incurring additional costs.

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User Safety Concerns

While Gunbroker.com is a reputable platform, the level of user-to-user interaction required can pose certain risks.

Unlike platforms like Cash For Arms, which standardize the selling process, users on Gunbroker.com must navigate negotiations independently. This increases the risk of encountering non-serious buyers or individuals with questionable intentions.

The platform has measures in place to mitigate these risks, but the onus remains largely on the individual seller to vet potential buyers.

In Summary

Gunbroker.com is a viable option for those who prefer a hands-on approach to selling firearms and are familiar with online auction environments. However, for sellers seeking quick, hassle-free transactions with guaranteed offers, platforms like Cash For Arms offer a more streamlined, secure, and user-friendly experience.

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Armslist.com and Other Firearms Forums

armslist.com screen shot

Venturing beyond the conventional avenues for online firearm transactions, platforms such as Armslist.com and numerous firearms forums present themselves as unique alternatives. While they foster a sense of community and offer a different flavor of experience, they also introduce a distinct array of complexities and obligations that sellers must navigate…

 

Platforms like Armslist.com are rich with enthusiasts and direct buyer-to-seller interactions, and hold a certain appeal for those immersed in the firearm community.

However, the very aspects that contribute to their charm also bring about challenges that require careful attention and a proactive stance from those looking to engage in successful, legal sales.

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A Marketplace Bridging Buyers and Sellers

Armslist.com positions itself as a specialized conduit for firearm enthusiasts, facilitating direct interactions and transactions between buyers and sellers.

Unlike traditional retail platforms, Armslist.com doesn’t participate in the transaction process. Instead, it provides a digital space where sellers can list firearms, and potential buyers can pursue and initiate direct contact to discuss terms, negotiate, and finalize transaction details.

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Streamlined Yet Hands-On

The operational ethos of Armslist.com is one of simplicity coupled with user autonomy. Sellers have the prerogative to create detailed listings — a transparent showcase featuring descriptions, images, and the desired price points of their firearms.

From there, the platform allows potential buyers to reach out directly to sellers, paving the way for inquiries, negotiations, and the ultimate arrangement of the transaction’s specifics.

This process, while straightforward, demands a hands-on approach from sellers, necessitating active engagement with prospective buyers and personal management of each sale’s nuances.

Navigating Risks and Responsibilities

The very structure that affords Armslist.com its ease and directness also ushers in a set of inherent challenges.

The platform’s hands-off approach means there is minimal oversight over transactions, placing the onus of legal compliance, due diligence in vetting buyers, and personal safety squarely on the sellers’ shoulders.

This lack of institutional control has attracted criticism, with instances of the platform being exploited by individuals seeking to skirt legal norms. As such, users are advised to proceed with heightened caution, exercising meticulous due diligence to uphold the legality and security of their transactions.

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Top Pick for Online Firearm Sales: Why Cash For Arms Stands Out

In the digital marketplace for firearm sales, various platforms offer unique selling experiences, each with its pros and cons.

Armslist.com and firearms forums cater to those seeking direct buyer interactions within a community setting, yet they require significant seller involvement and caution due to minimal transaction oversight.

Gunbroker.com, an extensive auction-style platform, demands active seller engagement and bears the risk of uncertain sale closure, coupled with additional fees.

Contrastingly, Cash For Arms shines as the most efficient, secure, and straightforward option. It simplifies the selling process with immediate quotes and quick payments, all while rigorously adhering to legal protocols. This hassle-free approach, combined with assured legal compliance and a focus on customer satisfaction, positions Cash For Arms as the superior choice for online firearm sales.

Balancing convenience with strict legal adherence, Cash For Arms offers an unrivaled selling experience that prioritizes seller confidence and transactional efficiency, making it our top recommendation for online firearm transactions.