One of the most subjective matters on collecting firearms is how to judge the condition. Without a set rating method, what you may call a Good may only be a Fair in someone else's eyes. Needless to say, that can cause some issues and frustration among fellow collectors. So to put everyone on the same playing field, unless the seller can provide you with a specific list of their rating level, I would question them based on the following conditions to determine what true condition it is:
- MINT/ NEW: All original parts; 100% original finish; in perfect condition inside and out; bore is perfect; never has been reworked.
- EXCELLENT: 90% original finish or better; sharp letters/numbers/markings on metal; sharp markings on wood; unmarred wood; essentially new except for slight wear; may bear rework marks.
- VERY GOOD: 75% original finish or better; has seen some use; no excessive wear on metal parts (minor scratching allowed); clear letters/numbers/markings on metal; wood lightly scratched or dinged.
- GOOD: 50% original finish or better; has seen a fair amount of use; rebluing is acceptable; metal may show cosmetic wear that does not impair function or safety; most letters/numbers/markings on metal legible; wood may be refinished, scratched, dinged, or repaired; in good working order.
- FAIR: 10% original finish or better; well worn; some minor parts may need to be replaced; metal may be pitted or corroded but does not impair function or safety; rounded edges on metal and wood; most letters/numbers/markings are partially removed; wood is scratched, dinged, cracked, or repaired where broken.
- POOR: 0% bluing or better; very well worn; major parts may need to be replaced; metal deeply pitted; letters/numbers/markings obliterated; wood badly scratched, dinged, cracked, or broken; mechanically inoperative; generally good for parts or 'hole filling' only.
Please note that no mention is made as to bore condition other than for the MINT/NEW Category. This is due to the fact that many of the firearms are not bought as shooters but as representative pieces. As the majority of weapons will never have their bore examined by the viewing public, it is not considered a major collecting point UNLESS you are looking for a shooter or just like perfect bores. If so, then you should view the bore condition as a necessary requirement and would then balance it in with the above points to make your final judgment on the purchase. Just make sure that the seller is aware that bore condition IS important to you on your purchase, to prevent disappointment and dispair upon receipt.
Some dealers will also publish their rating charts on their sites or in their catalogs. Examples are: Century Arms and Great Southern Arms. If the dealer has posted them, you will need to accept their standards for your purchase. When in doubt, ask them to read you their rating description and then hold them to it when your purchase arrives.I hope this has been of some help to you in your collecting. If you see something that doesn't look right or feel something is missing, please drop me a line with your thoughts.
