You can't always rely on these grading standards when buying a used firearm, but please try to adhere to them when posting one here for sale or trade.
NRA Standards of condition for modern firearms
NEW: Not previously sold at retail, in same condition as current factory production.
NEW DISCONTINUED: Same as NEW, but discontinued model.
PERFECT: In new condition in every respect. Sometimes referred to as "mint".
EXCELLENT: New condition, used very 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, that should be indicated in advertisement; no rust, but may have corrosion pits that do render the gun unsafe or inoperable.
POOR: Badly worn, rusty and battered, perhaps requiring major adjustment or repairs to place in operating condition.
NRA standards of condition 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, minor marks in wood, good 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 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 collectors firearm.
NRA Standards of condition for modern firearms
NEW: Not previously sold at retail, in same condition as current factory production.
NEW DISCONTINUED: Same as NEW, but discontinued model.
PERFECT: In new condition in every respect. Sometimes referred to as "mint".
EXCELLENT: New condition, used very 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, that should be indicated in advertisement; no rust, but may have corrosion pits that do render the gun unsafe or inoperable.
POOR: Badly worn, rusty and battered, perhaps requiring major adjustment or repairs to place in operating condition.
NRA standards of condition 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, minor marks in wood, good 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 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 collectors firearm.
