|
All those terms are a bit subjective, as well as hard to determine. I don't know how to tell 98% from 96% from 97% and I am not sure anyone does. The difference between (New in Box) NIB or Like New in Box (LNIB) and a lower grade is usually of interest only to collectors. For someone who is going to shoot the gun anyhow, paying extra for NIB is pointless, and an 80% or even a 60% gun may be a fine gun in perfect functional condition.
Yes, NIB or LNIB usually means unfired after initial purchase, but it may mean fired little and cleaned up well. It also means (or should mean) that the gun is in the original box with the right serial number and all the factory papers, test target, cleaning rod, etc.
FWIW, "new" rarely means actually unfired. Almost all guns are proof fired at the factory and many companies fire a full cylinder/magazine for test firing as well, so it is the rare gun that is really unfired when purchased.
The "Blue Book" and other price guides, like those on used cars, are guides, not the gospel. A lot of factors enter in, including how much the seller has in the gun, and how much the buyer wants it. Also note that the MSRP given is not adjusted for inflation, so it is not unusual to find a higher price for the gun used than the new sale price given for a discontinued model.
Jim
|