Making the Grade: Learn how to grade your Firearms. Free grading guide.

The iGuide Grading Guide provides several layers of depth to appeal to both new and advanced collectors alike. We suggest "report card" grades which we hope will help non-experts. Grading should be easy but too often for new collectors it is not. A term like MINT is vague for newbies. But grade A makes sense to anybody who has ever received a report card. The iGuide Grading Guide provides our so-called "report card" letter grades from A+ to F, as well our our 1 to 10 numeric grades (on a scale of 1 to 10) and then the standard grades used by many collector books. These grades attempt to describe preservation state. They follow rules used by collectors for years to keep things clear when buying, selling, or talking about items. Grading helps with consistency in buying, selling, and advertising. Proper grading takes a lot of experience and is more an art than a science, so we hope this guide will help you get started as you learn how to MAKE THE GRADE.

When it comes to determining the value of a collectible firearm, there are three key factors to consider: demand, rarity, and condition. Among these, the condition of the firearm often plays the most significant role. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting, understanding how to accurately grade the condition of a firearm is crucial. A firearm in excellent condition can command a significantly higher price than one in poor condition, even if both are rare.

The Importance of Accurate Grading

The phrase "Condition, Condition, Condition" is often heard among firearm dealers and collectors, emphasizing the importance of this factor in determining value. Accurate grading allows for a fair assessment of a firearm's worth, helping buyers and sellers reach a mutual agreement on price. However, it’s important to note that different grading systems exist, so understanding the specific standards used is essential to avoid confusion.

The iGuide Firearm Grading Scale

UNUSED GRADES
The term UNUSED refers to a firearm which has never been used. The unused grades range from a perfect A+ to an unused but showing signs of wear B.

---

A+

10 on a scale of 1 to 10.
NIB New in Box. Mint in Box
The firearm is brand new, never fired, and comes in its original packaging with all documentation and accessories intact. It is in the same condition as it was when it left the factory.

---

A

9 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Mint. Like New
The firearm may have been fired but shows no signs of wear. It looks as though it just left the factory, with perfect bluing and no blemishes on the wood or metal.

---

A-

8 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Near Mint Unused
The firearm has been never been used but with minimal signs of handling. It retains all of its original finish, with minor wear that may be visible on sharp edges or the muzzle.

---

B+

7 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Excellent Unused
The firearm shows light usage with minor wear. The wood and metal surfaces are clean with no significant scratches or dents. The bluing may be slightly worn at the muzzle or high points.

---

B

6 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Very Fine Unused
The firearm is in very good condition, showing some minor handling marks. The finish remains mostly intact with only light wear, and all parts function perfectly.

---

USED GRADES
Firearms that have been fired and carried in the field are USED. They have been in circulation, meaning they have been handled, fired, carried, sometimes for decades. As a result, they are worn to one degree or another. Collectors have established the following grades for rating just how used a firearm actually is:.

B-

5 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Fine Used
The firearm is in good working order with some signs of wear. There may be light scratches, minor dings, and slight bluing loss. However, the firearm remains fully functional and aesthetically pleasing.

---

C

4 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Very Good Used
The firearm shows noticeable wear from regular use. Surface scratches, small dents, and moderate bluing loss may be present. The wood might have some bruising, but the firearm remains functional.

---

C-

3 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Good Used
The firearm is in safe working condition but shows clear signs of heavy use. There may be rust, pitting, or other imperfections on the metal. The wood may have significant dings or scratches.

---

D

2 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Fair Used
The firearm is well-worn with visible rust or pitting. Parts may need replacement, but the firearm remains functional. The wood may be cracked, and the finish may be largely gone.

---

F

1 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Poor
The firearm is inoperable or requires extensive restoration. It may have broken parts, deep rust, or pitting. The finish is largely gone, and the wood is significantly damaged. It holds little value except as a project or parts gun.

---

Additional Grading Standards and Desirable Guns

---

The NRA Firearm Condition Standards

The National Rifle Association (NRA) provides one of the most widely recognized grading systems for firearm condition. This system is divided into two categories: modern firearms and antique firearms. It’s important to use the correct category as the grading terms may be similar but have different meanings.

NRA Modern Gun Condition Standards

New: A firearm that has not been previously sold at retail and is in the same condition as current factory production.

Perfect (or As New): In new condition in every respect, though it may have been sold at retail.

Excellent: Used very little, with no noticeable marring of wood or metal. The bluing is perfect except possibly at the muzzle or sharp edges.

Very Good: In perfect working condition with no appreciable wear on working surfaces. There may be minor surface dents or scratches, but no corrosion or pitting.

Good: Safe and functional, with minor wear on working surfaces. No broken parts, and any corrosion or pitting does not interfere with proper functioning.

Fair: Safe and functional, but well-worn. May require minor maintenance or replacement of parts. There should be no rust, but some corrosion pits may be present.

NRA Antique Firearm Condition Standards

Factory New: All original parts, with 100% original finish, and in perfect condition both inside and out.

Excellent: All original parts with over 80% of the original finish. The metal and wood should have sharp lettering, unmarred wood, and a fine bore.

Fine: All original parts with over 30% of the original finish. The metal and wood should have sharp lettering with minor marks, and a good bore.

Very Good: All original parts, with none to 30% of the original finish. Metal surfaces should be smooth with sharp edges and clear markings, while the wood may be slightly scratched or bruised.

Good: May have minor replacement parts, with smoothly rusted or lightly pitted metal. The principal markings should remain legible, and the wood may be refinished or repaired.

Fair: May have major parts replaced, with rusted or pitted metal. The principal markings may be partially obliterated, and the wood may be scratched, bruised, or cracked. The firearm may be in fair working order or easily repairable.

Poor: Requires major restoration with both major and minor parts needing replacement. The metal may be deeply pitted, and markings obliterated. The firearm is likely inoperative and generally undesirable as a collector's item.

Blue Book of Gun Values - Percentage of Original Finish System

This system focuses on the percentage of the original finish remaining on the firearm’s metal surfaces. It is widely used but does not apply if the firearm has been refinished or has no original finish remaining. The Blue Book system is only applicable to the original factory finish.

Standard Catalog of Firearms

This guide uses grading terms similar to the NRA system, but with different definitions, especially for antique firearms. For example, an antique firearm rated "Excellent" under the NRA system might only receive a "Very Good" rating in the Standard Catalog, which can affect its value.

Highly Sought-After Firearms in Great Condition

Certain firearms are highly sought after by collectors, particularly when they are in excellent condition. Here are a few examples:

Colt Single Action Army Revolver (Pre-WWII): Known as "The Peacemaker," this revolver is iconic in American history. In excellent condition, it can command a premium price.

Winchester Model 1873 Rifle: Often called "The Gun that Won the West," a Model 1873 in excellent condition is highly desirable among collectors.

Luger P08 Pistol: This German semi-automatic pistol from World War I and World War II is a favorite among military collectors. A well-preserved Luger P08 can fetch a significant price.

M1 Garand Rifle: The standard-issue rifle for U.S. forces during World War II and the Korean War. An M1 Garand in excellent condition is a prized possession for military history enthusiasts.

Grading the condition of a firearm is an essential skill for any collector. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply appraising a firearm, understanding the different grading systems and their definitions will help ensure accurate valuations. Remember, the condition of a firearm can greatly influence its value, so take the time to assess it properly using the appropriate standards. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions and potentially find or maintain highly sought-after pieces in your collection.

---