Very good/excellent...what does it mean?

[SparkYZ]

So I gave in and bought my first Mosin because they were on sale at Turners....I got a "very good" after turning down an excellent for $189.

What do these grades mean?

[knucklehead0202]

nothing really. some are based on bore condition, stock condition, etc. but you pretty much have to look at them. you could get one with a perfect bore and crappy-looking stock and vice-versa. don't trust anyone else's grading curve if you can possibly look at it yourself. only time this doesn't work is mail-order. i'd say you made the right decision based on your assessment, well done.

[SparkYZ]

I mean the stock looked good, finish was decent, bolt lockup not too stiff, shined a light in the bore looked clean and smooth. Just didn't check the crown

[readysetgo]

Depends on what system is used to grade really. You'd need to ask "what rating system are you using to grade this xx condition?" NRA system seems pretty universally used but .

Some info here: http://www.armchairgunshow.com/Condition-NRA-Guns.htm

[Mssr. Eleganté]

If Turners is getting their stock from Century then they might be using Century's grading standard...

New or Unissued Condition: Not previously sold at retail or issued. In the same working condition as it came from the factory.

Excellent Condition: 80%-90% blue remaining, very little if any marring on the wood. Bores clean without pitting. Complete and in working condition.

Very Good Condition: 50%-80% blue remaining, minor dings in wood from handling. Bores clean without pitting. Complete and in working condition.

Good Condition: 25%-50% blue remaining, stocks marred (several dings in wood), bores slightly worn and dark, no corrosion or pitting that will interfere with proper functioning. Complete and in working condition.

Fair Condition: Very little if any bluing remaining, rough bores unless otherwise indicated, wood heavily marred. May require adjustment or replacement of parts. Metal can be pitted. Must be thoroughly inspected by a competent gunsmith prior to shooting. Failure to do so could result in bodily injury and or property damage.

Poor Condition: Major and minor replacement parts required and extensive restoration needed, metal can be pitted, principal lettering design obliterated, wood badly scratched or bruised, mechanically inoperative. Product is for sale to be used for parts or display value only.

[SVT-40]

The NRA established their grading standard years ago... Here it is.

NRA MODERN GUN CONDITION STANDARDS:



NEW: Not previously sold at retail, in same condition as current factory production.



PERFECT: In New condition in every respect. ( note - in my experience, many collectors & dealers use "As New" to describe this condition).



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.



NRA ANTIQUE FIREARM CONDITIONS STANDARDS:



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.