What do you expect when you purchase a gun that is listed as MINT condition?
I’ve purchased most of my shotguns through the Internet and I’ve come to realize that MINT has a very different meaning to most of us. All of my purchases have involved emails and phone conversations before the purchase, several emails during the money/shipping phase, with an email and usually a phone call after receiving the purchase. I’ve never been scammed, but even after talking with sellers on the phone, I’ve received items that I’ve felt were far from MINT. I’ve returned several purchases without issue, but I’ve been a little surprised and disappointed by the term MINT used by some sellers.
My definition of MINT: 99% to 99.5% percent in condition, mechanically perfect, no dents in the wood, maybe "very" light surfaces scratches in the finish, but no cracks or chips of any kind. The checkering must be sharp with no missing points. No issues with metal finish, with the exception of some light rub marks on the barrel where the forearm comes contact with the barrel. If someone has a percentage rating on the advertised item, then I’ll ask the seller what imperfections does the gun have that prevent it from being 99%. Basically, I’m looking for the seller to divulge all of the guns imperfections. Believe me I’m not naïve and I’m well aware of the term “Caveat Emptor”, but I don’t expect hear, “You didn’t ask me that specific question” either.
I realize age and rarity can sometimes be a factor when rating a gun, but for this thread, lets keep this to guns less than 40 years old. Also, I’m not looking for comments on my definition of MINT. I’m merely interested in hearing your definition of MINT.
I have purchased several guns from this site and consider this site to be one of the best and safest places to purchase shotguns.
Thanks,
Pat Maurice
I’ve purchased most of my shotguns through the Internet and I’ve come to realize that MINT has a very different meaning to most of us. All of my purchases have involved emails and phone conversations before the purchase, several emails during the money/shipping phase, with an email and usually a phone call after receiving the purchase. I’ve never been scammed, but even after talking with sellers on the phone, I’ve received items that I’ve felt were far from MINT. I’ve returned several purchases without issue, but I’ve been a little surprised and disappointed by the term MINT used by some sellers.
My definition of MINT: 99% to 99.5% percent in condition, mechanically perfect, no dents in the wood, maybe "very" light surfaces scratches in the finish, but no cracks or chips of any kind. The checkering must be sharp with no missing points. No issues with metal finish, with the exception of some light rub marks on the barrel where the forearm comes contact with the barrel. If someone has a percentage rating on the advertised item, then I’ll ask the seller what imperfections does the gun have that prevent it from being 99%. Basically, I’m looking for the seller to divulge all of the guns imperfections. Believe me I’m not naïve and I’m well aware of the term “Caveat Emptor”, but I don’t expect hear, “You didn’t ask me that specific question” either.
I realize age and rarity can sometimes be a factor when rating a gun, but for this thread, lets keep this to guns less than 40 years old. Also, I’m not looking for comments on my definition of MINT. I’m merely interested in hearing your definition of MINT.
I have purchased several guns from this site and consider this site to be one of the best and safest places to purchase shotguns.
Thanks,
Pat Maurice