WA buyers. Use NWFA classifieds, when possible.

Sxsnuf · May 29, 2025

I include only WA buyers, because OR residents deal with different fees and restrictions, for now.
I have been eyeing the LEO trade in pistols sold by Aim Surplus (and others) for a long time. I finally purchased a Glock 22 from Aim late last month. Sale price was $279. Not the best price they've ever offered, but good enough that I jumped on it, while they were in stock. The pistol shipped next day and arrived at my FFL 5 days later, even using their least expensive shipping option. I was very pleased with that. This is where the good stuff ends.
When I first entered their site, I agreed to sign up for email alerts, in exchange for a 5% off code. Found out that discount was not valid for sale items. When I entered my zip code for estimated shipping, the estimate was $18. Not bad. When I got to final checkout, shipping was now $30. $12 wasn't worth quibbling over, and $30 is in line with what many GB sellers charge to ship a handgun, so I completed the deal. After shipping, shipping insurance and sales tax, the total sale was closer to $350. Add transfer fee and fegustan BGC fee, now it's pushing $400. In all fairness, the last 2 fees would have to be paid regardless. When I first laid eyes on the gun, I found it had shipped in a bubble wrap plastic bag. Not even a cardboard pistol box?? As I expected, there was a certain amount of holster wear, but nothing too excessive. Removing the slide, the pistol was FILTHY. It might have never been cleaned. Because I live in a state with mag restrictions, it arrived without a magazine. So, I purchased a dirty, lightly worn, single shot pistol for just shy of $400. Add an OEM 10 rd magazine, $30 more at my LGS.
There is currently a Glock 22 in the classifieds in like new condition, with factory plastic case, glock goodies and 2 mags for $425. After transfer and BGC, about $475. I'm into mine about $425-$430, and without even a pistol box to protect it in the safe.
I'm not just bashing Aim surplus, because to an Oregon buyer it would pencil out much better. There would be no sales tax, lower BGC fee and they would recieve at least 1 OEM 15 rd magazine. It's not the first purchase I've ever made that I thought better of, after the fact, but I could have recieved much more bang for the buck.
Don't be like me!

nwslopoke · May 30, 2025

I would love to see the responses from a, want to buy, add. While you my not get an immediate response of what you want, you may find something interesting.

When I was looking for a CZ P-07 none were to be found in stock on line or LGS. I settled for a P-01(which I had never heard of at the time), which I still have. The P-07 was later bought and sold. Nothing wrong with it. The P-01 just filled the same space but did it better.

spookshack · May 30, 2025

I've had nothing but good luck with AIM Surplus. That being said, I've read about the LE trade in's being hit or miss. From like new, to beat to crap. I emailed them awhile back about a .40 M&P 1.0. The pic showed it had the frame plugs (manual safety compatible) and asked if they were all equipped as such. They replied stating that unfortunately that is not something that they would be able to guarantee and it will vary from firearm to firearm.

I have an early 1.0 that does not have the frame cutout's and that was the reason for trying to source a frame. Since there was a possibility of not getting the gun (frame) I wanted, I passed.

I get they don't want to spend the time to "cherry pick" between safety and non safety compatible models, but it ended up costing them a sale.

They have really good deals on Glock slides and barrels. Unfortunately, with their slides, they don't state that the slides are not milled with recoi bosses/lugs.

Like I said, never had any issues with ordering, shipping or receiving what I ordered in a timely manner. It does appear there is room for improvement.