NRA Condition?

[mikld]

I found a S&W 10-7 listed as "Surplus Good". I have researched NRA condition lists and the ones I have found are "Collectors Grading" and "Modern gun grading", with no "Surplus" listed. Is there a specific "Surplus" category or should I use "Modern" condition criteria? I'm not a collector, just a shooter and found a site that offers used, some C&R guns at seemingly reasonable prices.

Thanks for any help and if this is in the wrong place please just move it or tell me where to post...

 

[Camster]

I don't think that it's a specific category.More of a cautionary rating.
Less than very good, must be fairly beat up and used. An unloved gun that came in thrown in a box or barrel with many others, perhaps from another country.
Surplus fair, probably means that it's still recognizable as a Model 10.

 

[oink]

I think a grading of "Surplus Good" would scare me away for sure, even for something intended as a shooter. An NRA modern grading of "Good" would turn me away in most cases.

 

[mikld]

"Surplus Good" was the lowest rating with others running from Very Good to Excellent but no mention of Surplus on the NRA site, just Modern Guns and Antique conditions listed...

I too would be hesitant of ordering any firearm online, especially with a "Good" rating without a lot of trust in the vendor. I might be getting a nice paperweight

 

[film495]

I just ordered one with that rating from Classic. In my mind they are advertising NRA Good, which indicates a modern firearm condition. The price was decent, so - maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. Two times previously I've ordered through them and considered the condition to be marginal to what they advertised, but both work, and I like them. They did refund me the hand pick, on both of those - and I used the credits for this purchase. If I don't think it is up to snuff, I'm not going to hesitate to send it back, since I already have another one. If it is good - I might turn right around and order another one from the lot. Surplus can be kind of a toss up, don't expect it to look new, or be clean at all.

 

[Jack Flash]

I would expect it to be NRA Fair, more or less. If that is not acceptable, pass.

Remember that Fair means it works and will shoot but rust present, minor parts absent, … And the seller may be puffing it a bit. That is, his Fair may be my Poor.

Up to you, but I wouldn't order one unless I was willing to take a worst case scenario.

 

[mikld]

Classic is th company I looked at. I was talking to a feller about 7.62x25 and he mentioned he got his gun from Classic so I checked it out thinking I might want to try a new cartridge/gun. I saw 2, Model 10s for sale, cheap and wondered (I had 10 in the '70s but traded it off for a 22 rifle!). I saw a 10-6 and a 10-7 but unsure about the condition ratings. I want a good shooter that ain't too beat up, but I may pass on these...

 

[Narragansett]

I looked them over. My personal opinion, is that I would not get involved with a surplus or police turn in, unless I could have it in my hand. I think you could be buying a world of problems. Just my .02

 

[Grayfox]

The problem with condition ratings is that its largely a matter of opinion. What's Good to me, may only be Fair to you and may be Very Good to someone else.
I'm not very fond of buying from surplus or trade in lots because you can't be sure of what you'll get. I want at least pictures of the exact gun I'm buying.
But then again, I have bought from CMP sight unseen without any reservations. So who the dealer is is an important consideration.

 

[mikld]

I looked them over. My personal opinion, is that I would not get involved with a surplus or police turn in, unless I could have it in my hand. I think you could be buying a world of problems. Just my .02

I feel much the same way, but I live in a small town and there is only one real "gun store" in the area and they don't have much of any handguns, mebbe a 8-9 at any time. There is a big box store that sells new, current handguns but also limited. Nearest "real" gun store is at least 125 miles away, so I'm kinda limited in buying a used or "different" gun and able to hold/inspect it live...

 

[Narragansett]

I feel much the same way, but I live in a small town and there is only one real "gun store" in the area and they don't have much of any handguns, mebbe a 8-9 at any time. There is a big box store that sells new, current handguns but also limited. Nearest "real" gun store is at least 125 miles away, so I'm kinda limited in buying a used or "different" gun and able to hold/inspect it live...

You are not limited. In the last 2 years I have gotten many guns, and only 2 did not come from this site. The guns for sale, and the " want to buy" forums are great. If you know what you want, place an ad in the "want to buy " section of this forum. You will no doubt get a quality firearm from one of the more active participants here for a reasonable and fair price, or one that you can negotiate. I believe that it is a benefit of being a member here. I also believe that if you have something to sell you should give a fellow member a first shot at buying it

 

[film495]

VERY GOOD: In perfect working condition, no appreciable wear on working surfaces, no corrosion or pitting, only minor surface dents or scratches.

I expect it to come one step down from this, which is with minor wear and possibly some light corrosion.
I also selected the hand pick option, so - think I'll find out tomorrow.

 

[film495]

What I looked at today at my FFL that they shipped, did not pass mustard at all, and I really wanted it, and it is going back. Sort of makes me think their hand pick option is a joke - and they look for the most beat up one to send. I selected hand pick, and what came had damaged components and would need major mechanical, replacement parts, and was cosmetically - well, long past needing to be refinished, if it hadn't already been refinished once, the bluing looked much blacker to me than the 10-7 I have, and was pretty much worn out, major scratches and marring, not all stamped lettering legible, damaged crown, loose lock up, timing seemed decent, but I didn't take the time to measure end shake and such, but it seemed real loose. The broken grips that did not fit, is what just broke the deal for me. Hand select; then can keep it.

 

[Narragansett]

What I looked at today at my FFL that they shipped, did not pass mustard at all, and I really wanted it, and it is going back. Sort of makes me think their hand pick option is a joke - and they look for the most beat up one to send. I selected hand pick, and what came had damaged components and would need major mechanical, replacement parts, and was cosmetically - well, long past needing to be refinished, if it hadn't already been refinished once, the bluing looked much blacker to me than the 10-7 I have, and was pretty much worn out, major scratches and marring, not all stamped lettering legible, damaged crown, loose lock up, timing seemed decent, but I didn't take the time to measure end shake and such, but it seemed real loose. The broken grips that did not fit, is what just broke the deal for me. Hand select; then can keep it.

.

Well, again, give the "want to buy" section of this forum a try