I've never been disappointed in anything I've bought from SOG, I've usually spent the few extra bucks for the handpick, so I don't really have a frame of reference to "if I didn't".
I bought a T-53 from them about six months ago (the $99 one) and the stock was really beat up. Not quite firewood, but evident it could have dug some trenches. Blueing was in pretty good shape, no pitting on the rifle or the bore (which surprised me, I was expecting it below the wood line at least)- when I pushed the cosmoline plug out of the bore it had quite a bit of shine and the rifling was good. I haven't shot it, as I bought it strictly to run bent bolts through to check for fit and cycling before sending them out to customers.
They have some with "hairline cracked stocks" for $80...
Given the condition that T-53 stocks normally come in (even the $99 ones may have hairline cracks that have been repaired), it might not be a bad idea to get one of these if you're not looking for a "collectible" grade rifle.
If I ever want to get a really nice condition T-53, I think I'd make sure I could inspect before buying. The vast majority have wood in poor condition.
