weapons grading

[ks_wayward_son]

I'm going to be going to a show in a month or so, and will probably be looking for a C&R rifle of some sort. I was wondering what you more experienced shooters look for when buying a gun at a show. How can you do a quick "once-over" to see if the price is fair with the condition? Is it the same grading system for all rifles across the board, or do you judge differently? Such as a comparison, say, between a Mosin or Kar 98? Thanks.

 

[emcon5]

NRA Grading standards are pretty common, (google it) but I don't ever recall seeing them used at a gun show. Value of both of those rifles can vary greatly by condition, and rarity (some codes are more rare than others, and therefore command a premium, particularly on K98 s).

Collecting K98k can be mind boggling, as they fall in different categories. A GI Bringback with all matching parts would be worth a lot more than a mixmaster Soviet capture/rework with all the marks ground off.

Here are examples of both ends of the spectrum:

Here is a good example of a complete matching original K98:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=156126358

Here is a Russian capture, which would make a nice shooter:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=157185678

What exactly are you looking for? Something collectible, or just a shooter?

 

[Chipperman]

Most dealers at gun shows don't bother putting any grading on the guns they have for sale. You like the gun and the price, you buy it.

NRA is the standard, but it take a lot of experience to really get any sort of reliable grading that is more than just subjective.

For a shooter, function and bore is more important the finish. For a collector, the bore may be a little less important than external finish.

Mosin-- Watch out for counterbored barrels. They may shoot ok, but something to be aware of if that would bother you. Finnish Mosins are nicer than Russian, but will cost more. Hex receivers are more prized than round, and Tula is more prized than Ishevsk. Most common models are M91/30 (long rifle with socket bayonet) and M44 (carbine with attached bayonet).

k98-- Unless you want a serious collector, a Russian capture is the way to go. Try to get one with Waffenamt stamps still intact. They will not have matching parts. Some of them will have force-matching with electropencil.
Swede Mausers are among the best shooters, will will cost a lot more than your average Russian capture. A Vet Bring-back with all-matching parts can go for $800+, so you may not want to do that until you have a better idea of what to look for.

 

[kilimanjaro]

Look for fit and finish, bore and bolt, and as many matching parts as you can get. Check the bore for pitting, rust, and fouling. The bottom line is, get what you like in as good a shape as you can. Don't buy the story, buy the rifle.