The lower the muzzle and throat numbers the better. 0 or 1 on the muzzle if you want a shooter for competitions (though a 2 or so could still be ok).
As for grades, yea its a bit confusing now.
The only 'rack' grades are specials...I'll talk about them below the specials.
If you want a 'collector'...one that is more USGI parts, go for the field grades...but it'll be worn some. Changes are though even the stock will still be government issue. May not be a great muzzle and throat so may not be the best shooters for competition (but probably fine for ringing steel).
A service grade would be in better condition and mostly all USGI but it is going to likely have a new CMP (Dupage) stock). These are usually fine for competition shooting that we do local.
If you want mainly for competition shooting, I'd say get a special so it will have the new criterian barrel on it.
If you just have to have a WRA or an IHC, then you buy those grades that they show. 'Field' now is just going to be a worn USGI receiver mostly...I think everything else is new including the stock.
If you can get to the store, I recommend hand picking of course. If you mail order, order a couple so you can choose the better one. You can usually sell one easily for what you paid.
...sadly, they are closed now and for the foreseeable future with the CV-19 stuff.
As for grades, yea its a bit confusing now.
The only 'rack' grades are specials...I'll talk about them below the specials.
If you want a 'collector'...one that is more USGI parts, go for the field grades...but it'll be worn some. Changes are though even the stock will still be government issue. May not be a great muzzle and throat so may not be the best shooters for competition (but probably fine for ringing steel).
A service grade would be in better condition and mostly all USGI but it is going to likely have a new CMP (Dupage) stock). These are usually fine for competition shooting that we do local.
If you want mainly for competition shooting, I'd say get a special so it will have the new criterian barrel on it.
If you just have to have a WRA or an IHC, then you buy those grades that they show. 'Field' now is just going to be a worn USGI receiver mostly...I think everything else is new including the stock.
If you can get to the store, I recommend hand picking of course. If you mail order, order a couple so you can choose the better one. You can usually sell one easily for what you paid.
...sadly, they are closed now and for the foreseeable future with the CV-19 stuff.
