Handgun condition definitions.
Is there a uniform grading system for handguns describing it's condition, that is reliable and used by all sellers?
I'm asking regarding definitions of Excellent,Like New, Very good, etc?
I have seen one, but can't find one listed here in the search box.
I am a prospective buyer, that doesn't want surprises. The particular definition I want to see is "Very Good",and how much varience is allowed, before I should question someone's judgement.
Thanks for your help.
I'm asking regarding definitions of Excellent,Like New, Very good, etc?
I have seen one, but can't find one listed here in the search box.
I am a prospective buyer, that doesn't want surprises. The particular definition I want to see is "Very Good",and how much varience is allowed, before I should question someone's judgement.
Thanks for your help.
0
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Subjective words are sometimes used in describing antique firearms, which often have been altered or restored to some extent.
For modern guns, I think we are moving to a more objective system, primarily based on percentage of finish remaining (original or refinish), alterations, & damage. I think "98-99% original finish" can't be confused with "80% original finish", where "very good" could mean either, or something in between, depending on who is making the estimate. Today, with digital cameras available to everyone, you really want to SEE the gun, rather than try to interpret someone else's description.
The best place to SEE a variety of descriptions is the front of every edition of S. Fjestad's Blue Book of Gun Values. I learned a lot from that, as he shows photos & a written interpretation.
Neal0 -
Please use the NRA grading scale.
CP0 -
quote:Originally posted by cpermd
Please use the NRA grading scale.
CP
FACTORY NEW: All original parts; 100% original finish; in perfect condition in every respect, inside and out.
EXCELLENT: All original parts; over 80% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals, and design on metal and wood; unmarred wood; fine bore.
FINE: All original parts; over 30% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals, and design on metal and wood; minor marks in wood; good bore.
VERY GOOD: All original parts; none to 30% original finish; original metal surfaces smooth with all edges sharp; clear lettering, numerals and design on metal; wood slightly scratched or bruised; bore disregarded for collectors firearms.
GOOD: Some minor replacement parts; metal smoothly rusted or lightly pitted in places, cleaned or reblued; principal lettering, numerals, and design on metal legible; wood refinished, scratched, bruised, or minor cracks repaired; in good working order.
FAIR: Some major parts replaced; minor replacement parts may be required; metal rusted, may be lightly pitted all over, vigorously cleaned or reblued; rounded edges on metal and wood; principal lettering, numerals, and design on metal partly obliterated; wood scratched, bruised, cracked, or repaired where broken; in fair working order or can be easily repaired and placed in working order.
POOR: Major and minor parts replaced; major replacement parts required and extensive restoration needed; metal deeply pitted; principal lettering, numerals, and design obliterated; wood badly scratched, bruised, cracked, or broken; mechanically inoperative; generally undesirable as a collector's firearm.0 -
Thanks for everyones help.Now that I have useful information,I'll look through everything mentioned and become better informed.I appreciate all the help
Skip0 -
Be aware that there are two NRA grading standards, one for antique and one for modern firearms. Even these are subjective. For example you might have 90% blue but is it still bright, or is it turning brown? Is it smooth and blemish free or is it scratched and nicked? So saying that a gun has "90% blue" may not tell the complete story. This is why pictures (good ones and lots of 'em) are so important.
Also know which grading standard (antique or modern) a seller is using, as many firearms which are considered "modern" by law are mostly sought after by collectors of antique guns.
John
NRA CONDITION STANDARDS FOR ANTIQUE FIREARMS:
FACTORY NEW: All original parts; 100% original finish; in perfect condition in every respect, inside and out.
EXCELLENT: All original parts; over 80% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; unmarred wood; fine bore.
FINE: All original parts; over 30% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; minor marks in wood; good bore.
VERY GOOD: All original parts; none to 30% original finish; original metal surfaces smooth with all edges sharp; clear lettering, numerals and design on metal; wood slightly scratched or bruised; bore disregarded for collectors firearms.
GOOD: Some minor replacement parts; metal smoothly rusted or lightly pitted in places, cleaned or re-blued; principal letters, numerals and design on metal legible; wood refinished, scratched bruised or minor cracks repaired; in good working order.
FAIR: Some major parts replaced; minor replacement parts may be required; metal rusted, may be lightly pitted all over, vigorously cleaned or re-blued; rounded edges of metal and wood; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal partly obliterated; wood scratched, bruised, cracked or repaired where broken; in fair working order or can be easily repaired and placed in working order.
POOR: Major and minor parts replaced; major replacement parts required and extensive restoration needed; metal deeply pitted; principal lettering, numerals and design obliterated, wood badly scratched, bruised, cracked or broken; mechanically inoperative; generally undesirable as a collector's firearm.
NRA CONDITION STANDARDS FOR MODERN FIREARMS:
NEW: Not previously sold at retail, in same condition as current factory production.
PERFECT: In New condition in every respect.
EXCELLENT: New condition, used but little, no noticeable marring of wood or metal, bluing perfect, (except at muzzle or sharp edges).
VERY GOOD: In perfect working condition, no appreciable wear on working surfaces, no corrosion or pitting, only minor surface dents or scratches.
GOOD: In safe working condition, minor wear on working surfaces, no broken parts, no corrosion or pitting that will interfere with proper functioning.
FAIR: In safe working condition but well worn, perhaps requiring replacement of minor parts or adjustments which should be indicated in advertisement, no rust, but may have corrosion pits which do not render article unsafe or inoperable.0 -
Good Quality close up pictures well lit from all angles will go a long way to seller and buyer knowing exactly what the gun condition is. 0
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