I have been looking

[goodland]

but there doesn't seem to be anything good out where I live in the way of vintage guns.
I have been checking classifieds, craigslist and pawn shops.
You guys want to give me some pointers?

[Paul68]

I still have a few if your'e interested. A rocker safety Sheridan, BSF S20 Pistol, Crosman 400 repeater(needs rebuild), crosman model 1 22 cal.

[althawk]

you could try estate sales,

estatesales.net

Sometimes they have pics... which can help you decide if its worthwhile or not.
Picked up my blue streak, based upon the online photos.
You can occasionally stumble upon something great in a photo, that is not listed in the description.
i.e. gun cabinet pic w/ 2-3 gems... or 2-3 listed powderburners & several unlisted airguns.
At the same time pics don't always show the complete picture, was looking into some Bows awhile back, pics looked great, but once I had them in my hand, could see the problem(s).

search terms: pellet, bb, bb gun, air rifle, air pistol, bb pistol, bb rifle, sheridan, benjamin, crosman, daisy, rws, anschutz, beeman, weihrauch, rifle rack...etc.

I've seen some beat up air guns at thriftstores, such as Goodwill.
Haven't had much luck with pawn shops or classifieds myself (my theory is I must be too close to at least 2x airgun repairers/collectors).
Craigslist is good, but proof of the 'early bird gets the worm'.

But by far your best bet is a local/regional airgun show...

[goodland]

Thanks guys I will try that link althawk and see what I come up with

[jimdaero]

Just curious what state are you from. I cant find anything in a thrift store in mass. They wouldnt carry them.

[Plekto]

His profile says PRC. Just north of La-La land.

So, unfortunately, there are ZERO to be found in any thrift stores as they are all scared witless of the laws and won't even accept them as donations (even though there are no laws, they aren't going to touch anything that looks like it might be one for liability concerns as well).  Gun shops won't usually carry them, either.  Craigslist, Ebay, and Recycler won't allow postings for airguns or firearms.   California is pretty close to a dead zone as a result, so you have to actually go down to visit a place like Mac1 or the Beeman factory on a road trip to find anything used.

That said, a trip to either place is well worth it.

[RedFeather]

Pawn shops and yard sales can be very hit or miss.  And then you are buying whatever you find, not whatever you might actually want.  I have been burned a time or two jumping on a "real deal".  You might start by checking in to the American Vintage Airguns forum (which, despite the name, is for all vintage guns).  That will give you a good acquaintance of what's available and/or desirable.  Then cruise the auction sites - gunbroker and auction arms (which has recently changed its name but still answers to that one).  You can then see what's out there and develop a feel for a fair price.  Do be aware, as I am sure you probably are, that bidding wars erupt from time to time and end at a ridiculous price.  But right now you want to take it easy.  And, when you do locate something of interest, go to the forums and search diligently on it.  You might discover that the old Daisy 880 for fifteen bucks but leaks ain't such a great deal because the last of the factory rebuild kits was sold to a private individual years ago and he's probably out of what you need to repair it.  Things like that.  Have fun and try not to go broke or get into marital distress.   

[goodland]

His profile says PRC. Just north of La-La land.

So, unfortunately, there are ZERO to be found in any thrift stores as they are all scared witless of the laws and won't even accept them as donations (even though there are no laws, they aren't going to touch anything that looks like it might be one for liability concerns as well).  Gun shops won't usually carry them, either.  Craigslist, Ebay, and Recycler won't allow postings for airguns or firearms.   California is pretty close to a dead zone as a result, so you have to actually go down to visit a place like Mac1 or the Beeman factory on a road trip to find anything used.

That said, a trip to either place is well worth it.

Yep prc is right.I am definitely the minority out here.
Craigslist has quite a bit of airguns but they are almost all big 5 off the shelf type or too far away to make it worth it.

Red feather thanks for your keen advice and for the good laugh. The part about marital problems although serious was funny

[althawk]

hmm got my p.o.s daisy 880 from a semi-rural goodwill... less then a year ago.  Saw a Gamo delta back in march at a different goodwill, one that I seem to hit up often since its near the closest super walmart, then a couple weeks after that another daisy 880, but by then I wasn't gonna get suckered into another.  They just don't sell em to people under 18 or 21 as far as I can tell, but they do sell em, so they must be accepting them. I must admit though, I haven't seen air guns at goodwill(s) where the city/municipality has ordinances against them. 

PRC? When did I dig a hole to get there? Lol, that is just the company that makes the p17 for beeman/marksman.

Ebay... you can get parts, just not complete airguns as far as I can tell.
Since when does craigslist not allow listings for airguns? See them all the time. Good stuff seems to get sold w/in 3-5 days, and junk (overpriced as well) stays listed for a month or two...

Try: Benjamin, Benjamin Franklin, pump(er) rifle; when you search craigslist.  Every now and then I'll see one. 

You might also find yourself hitting up antique stores too... just... they tend to be wacky on their prices.  Like the best one locally wanted full retail on stuff, like daisy red ryder's, crosmans, and yet they'll sell for 20 an old stockless Benjamin bb front-pumper, kind of like this:
and unfortunately, sometimes these vintage air guns can be Time&money-pits.
I just don't think I have the time to make a stock, replace the end cap and fix up a substitute seal... and I've already put more time into just cleaning it inside and out than I have any other air gun. I just can't understand why they end cap on mine isn't brass... why'd it have to be rusted...why...

Its much more enjoyable finding something that's useable with only a little work.

[jimdaero]

I usually find craigslist the best but like you said they are far away sometimes. i only look within reasonable distance. i would love to find some in a thrift store or yardsale. i check craigslist for garage sales and sometimes you find one. i have bought 3 from craigslist so far. my first a crossman phantom which is the most accurate so far. $40.  second a 1968 slavia for $20 and third a B3 for $25.  I bought a crossman titan gp 22 new from airguns daily.

[Plekto]

Ah.   Craigslist must have loosened its policies as they used to not allow airguns to be listed (people did it anyways).

So, you're pretty much stuck with that in CA.

[airnutz]

goodland, do you know a GI that's stationed in Germany?

I would say, check out www.eGun.de (http://www.egun.de/market/list_items.php?mode=cat&cat=261) in Germany.  Lots of Vintage German Guns there, and many Sellers speak English.  Your GI Buddy could easily send the gun to you from his APO address.  He/she would only have to give out to the seller his/her German address, even if on an Installation.

I would recommend though, having the gun's stock removed and sent torn down to save space.

Don't ask me how I know this.

Greetings from Germany.

[badredbird]

what kind of vintage gun you looking for i have a ton of benji pumpers