I've probably made a dozen or so transactions on craigslist over $1000 cash. None for gold, mostly equipment. Never had any problems. There are definitely scammers out there, but they stink like rotten fish. Keep your guard up when you deal w/ people on the phone and you'll be fine. Bring a testosterone laden male friend; buy him lunch with plenty of meat. Never mail anything for a moneygram. I wouldn't bother with a gun unless you're selling over 7-8 ounces. Frankly I wouldn't sell that many on craigslist anyway. If you're packin' pack loaded. I also don't like the ebay route because you're stuck putting gold in an envelope unless you specify local pickup... in which case you're still dealing in person. Public places are good. CCTV cameras are good. Back woods, back alley... bad. If you take payment in 100's try to be somewhere that you can put one of those test markers to 'em.