Let us open a discussion of definitions of a subjective field.

1. NIB:

2. LNIB:

3. ANIB:

Just a thought, might be interesting. Mike 2796

Personal opinion: NIB means the same as new-old stock. Complete, original, with box, paperwork, and implements, and unfired. Essentially in the condition it left the factory. LNIB and ANIB seem equivalent terms to me, but the gun has been fired a small amount, but all-original, with box, paperwork, and implements. Will show some evidence of firing on the cylinder face, and may have some indication of the beginnings of a cylinder turn line. Otherwise, no metal or wood finish defects.

The only one that has any meaning is NIB,Meaning complete with everything that it originally shipped with and Factory test fired only.The other Two are too subjective just like the percentage system.Thats not too say that NIB is not way over used by sellers,I have seen Guns on GB that where in shooter condition and missing the box that where being sold as NIB.

Unfortunately, some sellers will post NIB even though I can tell the gun HAS BEEN shot (other than testing at the Factory). Newbies most times would not pick up on this while the older collectors can. That's what they count on!

LNIB or ANIB means to me that the gun HAS BEEN fired and still remains in the NIB condition other than maybe normal marks on the cylinder face from shooting. All paper work, tools, registration card, etc. must be in 100% condition to qualify as Like or As NIB.

I have seen NIB guns with slight turn lines already on the cylinder. I know they were NIB because I have seen the store owner take them right out of the shipping boxes and put them in their safe.

As for the "turn line", there was a thread not too long ago that had a pre-war factory written memo stating that a gun with no turn line is defective. I don't know what the procedure was "way back when", but with the stainless guns it was obvious that every other chamber was loaded and fired at the factory. Just the act of function testing and firing will leave a slight turn line.

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NRA Cert. Inst. RSO

I would not buy a gun labeled (and priced) as NIB if it had a turn line. There may be some revolvers that left the factory with that line, but I have not seen one in the gun store cases. If it has a turn line or discolored cylinder face, it is a ANIB to me. Also, ANIB and LINB are the same designation of condition, 100% finish, with box and papers, but obvious that it has been shot.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

I notice chief38 said ANIB is "AS New in Box" - I guess I assumed it meant "ALMOST New in Box". I guess my definition is a little looser.

Jim

I attend a local gun auction a couple times a year and any gun that has the box is advertised as NIB. I take NIB with a grain of salt and only after my personal inspection would I agree to it. It is way over used.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Amen H Richard!
New is new. Anything else is used. Seems like a seller who knows his stuff will take the time to describe accurately. NNNAA (not nearly new at all) is what most common auction sites should have as a standard abbreviation.

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Halfway and one more step