eBay takes firm ethical stance on online firearm auctions
With eBay banning the sales of weopons parts to completely rid itself of any involvement in firearms dealing, other web sites are quickly filling the void.
Ebay had previously restricted the dealing of whole firearms, but had allowed the sale and distribution of weapons parts. However, it has officially discontinued the auction of weapons parts, as users could just as easily assemble weapons procured from the large auction site.
Gunbroker.com, a rapidly-growing auction site focused specifically on the dealing of all things firearms or weapons, is nothing but smiles following the update to eBay’s firearm dealings policy; COO Donal Hall said that traffic has jumped significantly to the site as eBay has strengthened its stance against the dealings of weapons or parts.
He continued, saying, “We’ve also seen a jump in first-time visitors and buyers recently, and while I don’t think the phenomenon is 100 percent attributable to eBay’s withdrawal from firearms parts auctions, it certainly has had an impact.”
Gunbroker.com offers a safe venue for weapons enthusiasts to auction whole firearms, parts, accessories, knives, and even hunting gear. They don’t charge insertion fees, and only take a selling fee that is, supposedly, less expensive than other auction sites.
However, who is stepping up to challenge the ethical and moral position of a site that disavows any responsibility of the weapons being constantly sold between users? Though users are forced to register, and must be licensed to own the weapons, what happens to the ownership of firearms when you can acquire one with the click of a button?
Though the internet is a useful tool, the dealing of firearms via the internet is a step in reducing the security now in place in standard firearms stores. The internet isn’t always a good thing.
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August 3rd, 2007
Its obvious that the person that wrote this article isn’t familiar with the FFL (Federal Firearms License) program, so let me run it down quickly. A person selling a gun can not sell it directly to another person, it has to go through an intermediary with a federal firearms license. The person with the federal firearms license is then required to run the full series of background checks and assure that the person purchasing the gun abides by all state and federal laws (and usually charges 20 dollars for the service). Its no different than going to a gun shop and buying a firearm, except that it makes it possible for people who are looking to sell a gun to do so, and for buyers who want something unique, or are willing to take a used gun to save money, an opportunity to do so.
August 3rd, 2007
It is interesting that the author has chosen to preach about “ethics” and to do so has packed the article with so much disinformation and inaccuracies. What about ethics in journalism? She seems to have not even read the E-bay policy statement which does not address the sale of firearms. E-bay has banned the sale of firearms for years.
August 5th, 2007
TECHBLORGE writes:
“Gunbroker.com offers a safe venue for weapons enthusiasts to auction whole firearms, parts, accessories, knives, and even hunting gear. They don’t charge insertion fees, and only take a selling fee that is, supposedly, less expensive than other auction sites.”
“However, who is stepping up to challenge the ethical and moral position of a site that disavows any responsibility of the weapons being constantly sold between users? Though users are forced to register, and must be licensed to own the weapons, what happens to the ownership of firearms when you can acquire one with the click of a button?”
“Though the internet is a useful tool, the dealing of firearms via the internet is a step in reducing the security now in place in standard firearms stores. The internet isn’t always a good thing.”
***
It is interesting to note that no license is required to purchase or possess most firearms in much of the U.S. Interstate firearms transactions must go through an FLL on both ends. IANAL, but I quit doing business with eBay when they decided that my 2nd Amendment rights were unimportant — I have bought and sold firearms (and/or parts and accessories) via eBay, back when it was a more responsible organization. These days I stick with more reputable places to do business on the Internet. PayPal alone ought to make and sane person stay far away from eBay!
August 13th, 2007
Obviosly Triston wouldn’t know a firearm if you hit him on the head with it.
The RECEIVER is the restricted part of the firearm, and you can’t get those on ebay.
So you can assemble a firearm from eaby parts all day long, but when you are done you will have no where to put the bullet in it.
More ignorant bad reporting.
September 9th, 2007
More of the usual liberal misinformation, ignorance, and lack of any attempt to verify by anyone the facts stated in the article. Doesn’t really matter since your readers are just as stupid and ignorant as you are.
September 28th, 2007
The Banning of gun parts on ebay has nothing to do with ethical.But yet another hit at removing the 2 amendment.Everyone who deals guns within the law knows about ffl laws. For those who want to take my guns the day may come when the gun I carry be it concealed or on my duty belt is the only thing that protects you from becoming a victim of a violent crime.
November 12th, 2007
I just dont think Ebay or any other online auction site has the capacity or even should for that matter have the responsibility of monitoring lawful or unlawful purchases of firearms irrespective of ethics or rights.