If it is a gun that I plan to keep, rust is not an option. It has to be rustfree or I pass it up. I don't collect old black powder stuff nor stuff with a bunch of holes drilled in it. Barrels need to be near perfect, and stocks can have some dings as long as it isn't a collecter that the value would be affected. Now the question becomes a safe queen, use it as it is, or restore it to my use without considerations of value. I admit to having several of these. A Model of Winchester 22 auto that had been tapped and drilled for the N mount Weaver, but was perfect mechanics and barrel, was reblued and stock refinished to about new. Same with a 50s model 94 with some problems that were solved with refinish. I have sportized, rebarreled, stocked,and turned milsurp 60's basic barreled actions, in a barrel, into eye pleasing rifles. Everything but the actions of Springfields and a couple of 1917 Enfield Winchester were junked. All the barrels were dark sewers from lack of care during the corrosive primer days. Sold a few and still retain the Enfields and four of the sporter03s. Did I commit a sin by not restoring them to military? Probably, but then I had a little foresight on a 03A4 from the DCM in the very early 60s. It came to me unfired, and remains unfired. Since then, I found it also has a history of being one of the last 100,000 made. It came with a mount on it, but no scope or rings. So to each has to place what matters to them in buying a used firearm. Agree with the Doctor on selections, and what he advises. I also noticed on Gun Broker, and some others that their gun grading pretty much sucks, unless new in the box. Old nasty beat up rifles are listed as very good or excellent are far from it on close up pictures Most likely I wouldn't buy anything I did not personally see, and only discribed with a set of poor photos. Let the buyer beware!!!!