Condition and Grading of Firearms

 

You read an advertisement for a gun you are interested in and the copy states;

“Excellent bore, 40% finish, traces of case colors, fair condition”

 

What does that mean and what do you expect?

 

Most of the firearms and accessories listed on FreeAds have photos to give you an idea of the condition of the gun. Dealers have been describing the guns in terms of condition since guns were first advertised in Gun Week, Shotgun News and Gun List, starting in the 1950’s.

 

When buying a firearm on-line, review the photograph and the description. It is always best to ask lots of questions about condition, wear, functionality, originality, features and accessories, then to receive the gun and be disappointed.

 

Firearms vary in condition from New in the Box (NIB) to non-functioning wrecks.  Understand your needs; be sure the firearm you desire is in the condition to meet your needs.

 

The ultimate authority on Grading Criteria, Conditions and Gun Values is the Blue Book of Gun values by S.P. Fjestad www.BlueBookInc.com.

 

The team at Cheaper Than Dirt suggests if you want to buy or sell used firearms; spend your money on The Blue Book of Gun Values first!

(http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/BOOK2008-68373-510.html)

Education and research will save you time and money in the long run.

 

Here is a summary of Firearms Conditions and Grades:

     New

New condition, as if you were buying it from a retail store in 100% condition; complete with box, instructions, and factory accessories. Out of production guns or older firearms might be missing papers or even the box. Ask the seller some questions;

“Has this gun been sold at a retail store before?”

“Has it been fired?”

“Is there any visible wear on the firearm at all?”

    Mint

Might have been fired and handled, appears to retain 98-99% of the “original” finish, usually so nice at arms length you cannot see wear. The action might show signs of use, sharp edges might show thinning blue, edges of the wood might have rubs, but overall the marks are so small that it takes close inspection to notice the wear.

    Excellent

Great condition for collectors or shooter as these guns retains 95-98% condition, completely functional, still original condition except where noted. In early guns such as pre-70s or pre-War firearms, this grade or condition is quite collectible. For the hunter, shooter and collector, this condition works, looks good and you are proud to display or own the firearm.

     Very Good

Retains 80-95% finish with noticeable wear; the advertisement or seller should be able to detail all the significant wear, explain the small things and inform you of non-original parts, repairs, and possible issues that would decrease the collector value or render the firearm inoperable. For current firearms, you might have a nice shooter. For collectors the value is lowering unless the gun is rare, in configuration, caliber or production.

     Good

Retains about 60-80% finish and should still function. The collector value might be very low (review the value suggestions of the Blue Book of Gun Values), but the gun might still be perfect for your needs.

     Fair and Poor Grades

Typically from 20 to 60% finish remains. Don’t buy this grade of gun unless you completely understand what you are getting. There could be replacement parts, little finish, rust, considerable wear and the collector value might be one tenth of a gun in excellent condition. Study long before you venture into gun trading in firearms that seem like a good deal when the condition is described as “poor”.

 

Final tips;

 

Only buy firearms that suit your needs.

Don’t look for a bargain in the wrong make or caliber, buy what you really want. All the trading will cost you time and seldom can you get what you really want by starting off with bargain that sounded good but did not suit your needs.

 

Guns have wear.

We carry them, show them, shoot them, and hunt with them. Match the condition you want to the application you need. Pliers aren’t hammers. A Pre-64 Model 70 Winchester can be a “meat gun” and still collectible, as can other firearms. Accept the condition when you buy the gun, don’t make it worse, and generally you can sell the gun for more than what you paid for it given some time.

 

Remember all firearms must be shipped through an FFL Dealer, Do Not Ship a firearm to an individual.