Tikkas sometimes arrive dirty from the proof shots. Mine had a dirty bolt head. Probably from primer failure from the overpressure rounds.

Interesting, but of any importance ??

Interesting, but of any importance ??

Yes, I think it could be.

Buying a new rifle, I'd expect it to be clean for the simple reason that it could rust if it stands too long.

Or a prospective buyer could think the personnel have been abusing the rifles for private fun.

Interesting, but of any importance ??

Yes, I think it could be.

Buying a new rifle, I'd expect it to be clean for the simple reason that it could rust if it stands too long.

Or a prospective buyer could think the personnel have been abusing the rifles for private fun.

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Ya, I thought of the rust factor, but other than that ? I did not mean sarcasm, but a really like is it important, a error, flaw or some disadvantage attached. I am sure the decision to ship like described had much research and decision making attached to end result.
Perhaps - " there! Proof it was test fired as per sales schlep story"

Agree, I thought about that as well, but is it worth the risk for the company?

I have cleaned a rifle or two which had enough rust to colour the first oily patch brown, and they were pretty new into the gun shop.

What about an enhanced chance of rust during transport at sea? It doesn't make sense that a company would risk its reputation, so the sales proof of a tested rifle is pretty strong?

Perhaps the manufacturer did not think that some SAFFER would notice this matter.

Perhaps the manufacturer did not think that some SAFFER would notice this matter.

Yup, them stupids down in the bush 😉

Serous though - does anyone know of similar thkngs in Europe and the US?

I have read a few reports on US forums about new "dirty rifles"; usually from Europe.

In the US there is no requirement for a proof test of a new rifle. In Europe new firearms are not allowed to be sold without a CIP proofmark. And that is only applied after a prooftest.

The proof shots make sense - it is not only about security (functional pressure test), but also about capability (function accuracy test).

But why not clean it afterwards, or at least oil it? 

Some clever person have probably decided that it is not required. The rifles are shipped with a dessicant so chance of rust is slim to none. And probably a lot cheaper than paying someone to clean every rifle returning from the proof house before it ships again.

Maybe for high-value rifles custom built you would expect it to be clean and shiny. For cheaper brands, the time required to brush and patch out the barrel and then clean and dry the action and stock, would probably increase the price of the rifle without increasing the value.

'n Spuitjie spookpiepie in die loop af behoort te keer vir roes.