Cowboy, It is very reasonable. If the seller wants to make the sale, you, as the buyer must be accomodated.
I insist on this not only from private sellers but from all sellers where I can't lay my hands on the gun. And even then I want an inspection before money changes hand.
Why leave things to chance.
Sure it's reasonable FOR YOU.
but it's not reasonable for the seller.
Exactly what percentage of sellers tell you this is ok when you try and purchase? Adn what percentage tell you to go anatomically incorrect things and/or never answer back???
There are PLENTY of buyers.
the other options where you purchase it and ship it to a gunsmith, those are reasonable. The using a local FFL to ship from (which is a really good idea) is reasonable (after all, you're paying shipping costs anyway). But even if you buy new, once you sign the 4473, you own it, if it doesn't work the shop doesn't get involved.
Sorry, I've never had any issues buying or selling and I try to be meticulous when describing the guns I sell, but your option isn't reasonable.
JMHO
And for the people buying a 20 or 30 thousand dollar gun, well then a plane flight really isn't that expensive in the grand scheme of things.