Mint vs. Minty

[subway85]

[Capybara]

Seller descriptions are somewhat arbitrary by definition. A lot of it comes down to opinion and even using the NRA grading system, there is still wiggle room within the specs. Always best to see a C&R or used gun yourself in person, even though that's not always possible. I just bought a Bulgarian Makarov from a fellow Calgunner and it was in exceptional shape but seller just listed it as clean. When I met him to DROS it, its shape was a pleasant surprise, it's almost LN from the 70s.

I had to drive 600 miles + RT to DROS, then pick, it up. The price was right though and the condition made it all worth it.

[The Gleam]

My take on "mint" vs. "minty" is that when internet selling came along about 25 years ago, and people meant to say the thing they were selling was in 'mint condition' they accidentally typed a y with the t ( due to qwerty keyboard fumbling ) and it stuck, because it was funny/cute/whatever.

Pre-internet, I don't ever recall anyone ever saying something was "minty". It was always "mint" for short, or the full phrase "mint condition" whether that was cars, guitars, boats, or guns.

I don't even recall old classifieds ever written out as 'minty'- only ever 'mint' for short.

In any case, "mint" to me means New In Box condition, but maybe no box.

Minty just means nice, like new, but shows a smidge level of perceptible wear.

Would certainly be hard to find a "mint" Walther P38, even in P1 form now days.

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[subway85]

Thank you both!

In any case, "mint" to me means New In Box condition, but maybe no box.

Minty just means nice, like new, but shows a smidge level of perceptible wear.
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[highpower]

I have never liked using terms like mint, very good, good, etc.. to me they leave way too much to the imagination of the seller. I prefer to use the percentage grading system. While it is still somewhat arbitrary, I feel that it gives a more accurate picture of a firearm's condition.

[MasterChief]

Doesn't look "mint"...

If you paid a higher price and/or premium based on the pistol being described in writing as "mint" then I think you were defrauded. If the "M" word was simply used in passing conversation then caveat emptor. Sorry for your misfortune.



Edited to add: You were defrauded. My layman's legal opinion.

[Kerplow]

Mint is a vague term that leaves a lot to interpretation.

If you think about sports cards, “mint” condition would be perfect as new with exception of being removed from the box, and typically in some sort of protective case.

I’m regards to guns, IMO, mint condition ought to be BNIB.

If the gun has been fired/cycled beyond factory test firing there is wear that did not exist when the gun was purchased, thus, the gun is not in mint condition.

“Minty” sounds to me like “mintish,” which is wide open to interpretation and would raise a red flag if I was unable to inspect the gun in person.

I once purchased a rifle on GB that was labeled “NOS”. Upon receiving the gun I found this to be untrue. The was in great condition l, but looked to me as though it had been fired a couple few times in its 40+ year existence. I was mildly disappointed that the description was not accurate, but all in all the gun was in great shape and I plan to shoot it anyway. Unless you’re buying a gun strictly for the purpose of collecting it to own it in a certain condition, I don’t see an issue with acquiring a gun that is lightly used when you intend to use it.

[SVT-40]

"Minty" should only be used to describe your breath after chewing a mint flavored breath mint...

[Dan_Eastvale]

VG but not mint

[jyo]

Everybody grades condition differently---back when I was manging gun stores, people would call and give a verbal description of their item, and it rarely matched. People would claim their gun is "Like new" only because they had never fired it, but the previous owner certainly did! Other folks would say "Very good" and the thing was perfect---like new. The P1 is an old gun---many years old---only very few are still "Mint"!

[C&Rtrader]

A picture is worth a thousand words. When selling or buying I rely on pictures 10x over words that describe condition.

[sfe187]

All words used by seller are subjective, its a money game. Request detailed pictures or inspect face to face and make your own determination what condition it is. Often people fall for fancy words/story and not the gun. Also many seller lists misinformed and inaccurate description, wether seller don't know or was told when they bought it, all of sudden its fact to them. Research and homework and educated yourself so you know if someone is selling you snake oil.

[subway85]

It's quite obvious. The difference mint and minty is the letter "y". Hope this helps

Y thank you!

[23 Blast]

Lol. Lots of clever responses here. Any grading system is open to interpretation and is inherently subjective.

Whenever browsing ads on Calguns, I immediately open the Morton's large tub of salt.

Seller says = Translation:

Mint/Minty = Mostly new condition, but I fondled it and out my sweaty paw prints on it, while racking the slide and dry-firing it repeatedly while watching repeats of "Tales of the Gun" on History Channel.

Very good condition = I've fired at least 1000 rounds through it, but it was all at an indoor range so its not *that* dirty or used.

Good condition = It will still work, kinda. Ignore the scratches and gouges, they're just cosmetic and actually add character to the gun, which in the long run makes it even more valuable!

Fair condition = I'm hunting for a sucker to buy this piece. I'll spin a story of how it was used by at least 10 soldiers of the same unit, including 3 brothers who were all awarded Hero of the Soviet Union while fighting around Leningrad.