CAU Firearm Standards

Firearm Standards

Hello, and welcome to our “Firearm Standards” page for conditions of firearms and related accessories. We don’t use typical standards (by the NRA, etc.) for describing our firearms. Not that there’s anything wrong with the others, it’s just that we feel ours are a little more detailed, conservative, and appropriate for online auction sales.

1. Factory New (NIB) – Unfired (except from factory) with pristine finish as shipped from manufacturer with original box, paperwork, etc. Please note that a good many “factory new or NIB” guns sometimes have one or more tiny imperfections right from the factory. Because of this, we very carefully take them out of the boxes for photos then carefully repackage. We only state this condition if we obtained the firearm direct from a wholesaler.

2. New Old Stock (NOS), As New or Like New – Unfired with 100% (or darn close!) finish as shipped from manufacturer with or without original box, paperwork, etc. Again, please note that a good many “NOS, new, as new or like new” guns sometimes have one or more tiny imperfections right from the factory. Also, they may have been carefully handled, fondled or loved by previous owners, consignee, etc., one or more times. Unfired (except from factory).

3. Excellent - 90 to 100% metal finish; unmarred wood, etc., with no more than a few very slight handling marks; sharp, bright bore with strong lands and grooves. May not have ever been fired except from factory.

4. Fine - 80 to 90% metal finish with slight visible wear; unmarred wood (with no deep indentations) with some handling marks; one or two metal parts may have a tiny amount of smooth rust coloration; sharp, bright bore.

5. Very Good - 70 to 80% metal finish with some visible wear; wood slightly scratched or bruised; some metal parts may have a bit of smooth rust or very light pits; sharp, bright bore.

6. Good - 60 to 70% metal finish with obvious signs of use; some metal parts have smooth rust or very light pits; wood scratched, bruised, or have minor repairs; bore in equal or better condition; could be substantially upgraded in condition with nominal refinishing.

7. Fair - 50 to 60% metal finish with obvious signs of moderate to heavy use; some metal parts have smooth rust or light to moderate pitting; wood scratched, with some small gouges and/or bruises, or have minor repairs; bore in equal or better condition; could be substantially upgraded in condition with nominal to moderate refinishing.

8. Poor - Somewhere less than 50% overall finish with substantial signs of wear; replacement parts probably needed to put in working order; could be substantially upgraded in condition with extensive refinishing.