Personally I would never buy a gun without looking at it and having it in my own hands. I don't think one can blame the auction houses the item is what it is and it's down to the prospective buyer to determine it's quality and value. Personally I'm still gathering thoughts on the various auction houses over here. Some offer barrel thickness gauges and advice usually being the premium houses like bonhams and holts. Other less prestigious auction houses offer no support and buyer beware. Lastly if a gun isnt in proof they are legally bound to make this clear and must sell it off ticket. There is definately lot of crap shoved through the network too and for that reason you simply must see the gun first hand or commission someone like Dig to do it on your behalf.
T
