CFA NRA Condition Grading Scale 3

Question 1

A lever-action rifle from 1885 has about 30% original case color remaining on the receiver and smooth, worn wood. Which NRA antique grade fits best?

Accepted Answer

Good

Answer

NRA 'Good' antiques retain some original finish, show normal handling wear, and remain mechanically functional.

Question 2

Under the NRA modern firearms scale, the grade 'Fair' typically indicates what level of remaining original finish?

Accepted Answer

Less than 20%

Answer

NRA 'Fair' for modern firearms is generally associated with less than 20% original finish remaining.

Question 3

An NRA 'Excellent' modern firearm differs from an NRA 'Perfect' modern firearm primarily in that 'Excellent' allows for what?

Accepted Answer

Evidence of light use with minor wear

Answer

NRA 'Excellent' allows for evidence of careful use with minimal wear, unlike 'Perfect' which requires no signs of use.

Question 4

When applying the NRA condition scale for auction catalog purposes, which grade would most accurately describe a Colt Single Action Army with 90% vivid original color case hardening and 88% blue?

Accepted Answer

Excellent

Answer

Combined finish retention of approximately 88–90% with sharp case coloring places this SAA firmly in NRA 'Excellent.'

Question 5

Which NRA antique condition grade describes a firearm with no finish remaining, heavy pitting, but is still mechanically functional?

Accepted Answer

Poor

Answer

NRA 'Poor' on the antique scale describes guns with no finish, heavy pitting or damage, yet still mechanically functional enough to fire.

CFA Practice Test

CFA Practice Test

CFA NRA Condition Grading Scale 3