MK

Generally, bore condition is not considered on antique firearms. The weapons have pretty well ceased being shooters so bore condition is not as important.


A nice bore is nice however and it does add to the value of the weapon. Usually, a pistol with an excellent or mint bore will also be in the same condition outside.


There are far more 90% pistols with only good bores.

This is my take on bore grades.

A poor bore means you can see through the barrel, that's about it. It is dark, pitted and has major sections of rifling compeletly worn away.

A fair bore is the same with more rifling.

A good bore means you can still see all the rifling, it is still dark and pitted.

A very good bore has rifling from one end of the barrel to the other, is not very dark and has pitting in about 30-50% of the bore.

An excellent bore has at the least strong rifling to very sharp rifling and is fairly bright to very bright The bore may or may not appear frosted in areas or all the way through. (very lightly pitted)

Mint means you can't tell the pistol has been shot.


This bore condition problem is why the rebuilt, reblued Eastbloc imports will sell for the prices they do....they have excellent to new barrels and that is why the average gun-show Luger buyer will pick an import over an 80% original everytime. Even if the original is $100-$150 cheaper than the import.


Mike