Calhoun: Nice buck! You Sir have innumerable postings (both here and elsewhere) on this particular subject, and while I have largely found your input to be very well-reasoned and cogent, this one I'm afraid does not fit my pre-conceptions about the general meaning of the expression "grey rat". The rifle in question (your .300 EG?) looks to me to be a very honest example of the species. Perhaps a bit worn, but not displaying the usual tell-tale signs of abuse and neglect. I've seen lots of "boney" and used-up equipment in my time and that weapon is simply-not a representative example, per my present (& possibly inaccurate) understanding.
Am I being too-literal here or are you simply showing me the upper-end of the spectrum?
Probably more what I had envisioned...
A gray rat doesn't have to be rusted or banged up, it just has to be missing a lot of the bluing on the receiver. Mine is definitely missing most of the blue, and it does actually have a couple dings in it. It just photographs well.
Here's another gray rat. This one has more discoloration to the receiver.