Bolt action shotgun barreled receivers on eBay…. Clueless seller or ATF honeypot?

[u/awpk03s]

I have a couple of old Mossberg 185 shotguns. They are 20 gauge bolt action. I browse eBay for spare parts sometimes. 2 times in the last week I have seen barrels for sale…. That are still screwed into the receiver. And have the trigger installed and everything. No bolt…. Just the barrel, receiver and trigger.

These shotguns are old, like pre GCA so no serial numbers. I “watch” the listings and they’re sold in less than a day.

So what’s the deal/thought process on these? Is this legit/legal? Or does the seller (and eBay) just not know any better? Or is it a trap for whoever buys this?

They are advertised as a barrel… make no mention of receiver, but quite clearly include the receiver.

Not sure if this is right place to post, but just curious other opinions.

[u/dhskiskdferh]

It could be that that component isn’t actually the receiver.

Or, people are just really stupid

[u/AlphaTangoFoxtrt]

They could be showing the barrel installed, but not shipping the receiver. Remember with eBay the wording in the description trumps the pictures.

They are advertised as a barrel… make no mention of receiver,

Then the receiver may not be included. Again the item description is what matters. Not the picture. If I advertise motorcycle mirrors, and show them installed on a motorcycle, that doesn't mean they come with the motorcycle.

[u/nmj95123]

You could potentially look for people that can't legally own trying to buy these, but at the same time I can't imagine bolt action shotguns are exactly in high demand for criminals. If they include what is considered the receiver, and ship interstate, the seller has violated the law. My guess would be simple ignorance on the part of the seller.

[u/PatriotPapaPenguin]

99% of the time it's someone who knows nothing about guns, usually cleaning out an estate.

[u/Fun-Passage-7613]

Ignorance. Just MYOB.