Buying a firearm at auction is straightforward once you understand the process. This guide covers every step from creating an account to taking possession of your firearm — no experience necessary.
Creating an EGO Arms account is free and takes about two minutes. You'll need a valid email address, a username, your state of residence, and your date of birth. We require a verified email address before you can place your first bid — look for the verification email immediately after signing up and click the link. You can browse listings without an account, but bidding requires one.
Use the Browse page to search by make, model, caliber, or lot number. Filter by category, price range, condition, and time remaining. Each listing shows the current bid, number of bids, and time left. Before bidding on anything, read the full description, study all six photos, and review the Condition & Flaws tab carefully. The Specifications tab gives you everything from barrel length to year of manufacture.
Enter your bid in the bidding panel on the right side of any listing. Your bid must be at least the current minimum — shown as "Min. next bid." Bid increments scale with the price: small increments at low prices, larger increments at higher prices. You can place a single bid, or enable proxy bidding — enter your maximum, and the system automatically bids the minimum needed to keep you in the lead, never exceeding your max. You only pay what you need to, not your maximum.
When the auction ends, if you're the highest bidder you win. You'll receive an immediate notification via email and in your notification center. A checkout link will appear on the listing page and in your email. You have 72 hours to initiate checkout — auctions where buyers don't respond are subject to a second-chance offer to the next bidder and a potential account flag.
Federal law requires all firearm transfers to go through a federally licensed FFL (Federal Firearms Licensee) dealer. During checkout, you'll choose your FFL from our network of 2,400+ partner dealers, or enter the contact information for your own preferred dealer. Call the FFL ahead of time — confirm they accept transfers, ask about their transfer fee (typically $15–$50), and give them a heads-up that a firearm is coming.
Once you've confirmed your FFL, the seller ships the firearm directly to your chosen dealer via USPS Priority Mail (fully insured). Typical transit time is 2–5 business days. Both you and the seller receive tracking numbers. You'll see the status update in your Order Tracking page.
When the firearm arrives at your FFL, visit the dealer with a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). You'll complete ATF Form 4473 (the standard firearms transfer form) and submit to a NICS background check. The check typically takes minutes; some take up to 3 business days. If approved, you take possession of your firearm. NFA items (suppressors, SBRs, machine guns) require additional paperwork and typically 6–12 months processing — see our NFA Guide.
Once you've taken possession, return to your order in EGO Arms and click "Confirm Receipt." This releases payment to the seller and officially closes the transaction. After confirming, you'll be prompted to leave feedback for the seller — please do. Honest feedback is what makes this marketplace work for everyone. If anything wasn't as described, use the feedback system or open a dispute before confirming receipt.
Answers to what first-time buyers ask most.
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