Gun auctions can get you a rare collectible or a great deal on a common firearm, but only if you understand how the bidding actually works. Most of the confusion comes from three features: automatic (proxy) bidding, hidden reserve prices and Buy Now. Here is how each works on Liberty Gun Trader.
Automatic bidding: set your limit once
You never have to sit and click. When you bid, you enter the most you are willing to pay. The system then bids for you, one increment at a time, only as much as needed to keep you in the lead, and never above your maximum. Other bidders never see your maximum.
Example: an auction starts at $500 with $10 increments. You enter a maximum of $800. The price shows $500 and you lead. Another bidder enters a maximum of $650. The system automatically raises you to $660 and you stay in the lead. If a third bidder enters $900, they take the lead at $810 (your $800 plus one increment) and you get an email saying you have been outbid.
- If two bidders enter the same maximum, the earlier bid wins.
- If you are already leading, you can raise your maximum without bidding against yourself.
- The listing page shows whether you are the high bidder and what your maximum is.
Reserve prices
A reserve is a hidden minimum the seller will accept. The listing shows “Reserve not yet met” until bidding reaches it. If the auction ends below the reserve, nothing sells.
On Liberty Gun Trader, if your maximum is at or above the reserve, the price jumps straight to the reserve, so the reserve is met as soon as someone is willing to pay it. Your maximum is never revealed beyond what is needed.
Buy Now on an auction
Some auctions include a Buy Now price. Until the first bid is placed, you can skip the auction and buy at that price. Once anyone bids, Buy Now disappears. When you use Buy Now, the auction closes in your favor while you complete payment; if you cancel, it reopens for others.
Late bids extend the auction
To stop last-second sniping, a bid placed in the final minutes extends the end time. Everyone gets a fair chance to respond, so there is no advantage to waiting until the last second; just enter your true maximum.
Penny auctions
Some sellers run auctions with $0.01 increments. They work the same way, but the price moves in very small steps.
When the auction ends
- The winner gets an email with a Pay now link, and the purchase appears in Dashboard → Purchases.
- The winner pays by GunTab escrow or card (depending on the seller) and enters a receiving FFL for firearms.
- The seller ships to the buyer’s dealer and the buyer completes the transfer. See FFL transfers explained.
Bidding strategy that works
- Decide your number before you bid, including shipping and your FFL transfer fee, and enter it once.
- Check completed sales of the same model to know fair value.
- Read the listing carefully: condition, what is included and delivery options.
- Ask questions before bidding using Contact seller.
- Only bid if you will pay. A winning bid is a commitment to buy.
Tips for sellers
- Start low to attract bidders, and use a reserve to protect your floor.
- Choose sensible increments: $5 to $25 for most guns, larger for high-value collectibles.
- Add a Buy Now price for buyers who do not want to wait.
- Set up GunTab or card payments so your winner can pay right away.
More in how to sell a gun online.
Frequently asked questions
Can I retract a bid?
Treat every bid as binding. If you made a genuine typo, contact the seller right away.
Why did my bid get outbid instantly?
Another bidder already had a higher maximum. Their automatic bid responded to yours.
Do I need an account to bid?
Yes, an approved account. Create one free.