when buying online, what pictures have the most impact?

toppkatt said:

Clear pictures are key. If you have clear pictures you can see hairline cracks near the wrist of a long gun. Clear pictures can also show rust freckling starting. Hard to use a picture though for color issues (color of stock, e.g. is it an original 'red' Winchester stock, is the bluing turning plum, etc). Well SOME of these can be seen, but just because you don't see them doesn't eliminate the issue. Cameras and particularly monitors are not usually calibrated so colors can be way off. A look down the barrel is always good, however, a good picture through the barrel is not an easy thing to get a clear image. Just because the barrel doesn't appear bright and shiny doesn't mean it isn't, might just be due to poor lighting.
My advise, ask for specific pictures before bidding if you have questions and wait for the seller to respond. Otherwise, it's on you and all you can do is hope someone outbids you.
I have purchased a few rifles and shotguns and a pistol or two over the internet and usually I get exactly what was offered or at times something even better than expected but take your time and ask questions!

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K31 said:

1. Photograph it against a red background if it is a blued rifle. This is the best way to show the color and condition of the bluing. Otherwise the bluing could appear worn or discolored.
2. Have at least one picture of the whole rifle. This sounds like a nobrainer but people will post a bizillion shots of the same rifle in intimate details and not one of the whole thing. I get it, it is an awkward image to get detail, long and skinny but I want to see at least one.
3. Be honest and show closeups of any boo-boos or at least describe them if they don't show up well (like small dents).
4. No feet. I can't count the number of people who have made this mistake. You need at least one foot, preferably two in your image.

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