That is not really accurate. I have owned 4 Specials. While they were overall nice guns and only one suffered a functional problem (a significant reciever problem that required a replacement rifle), they were not essentially new.
I had an op rod full of large rust flakes, another that is currently blossoming rust out from under the park, a worn op-rod tab, a handguard sheet metal piece with tabs broken off and others cracked, a badly bent and seriously distored lower band that the pin would fall right out of, 2 or 3 worn out rear sight pinions / pinion springs, a windage knob that puked its inards, and a receiver ear with significant wear on the rear sight serrations.
I am not complaining. These are old rebuilt guns and CMP makes this kind of stuff right if you bring it to their attention. My point is just that if you think a Special will be pristine (as I think the CMP catalogue clamis) that may not be the case. These guns are likely to contain parts that have already seen considerable service.
If you want the best chance to get fresh parts that shouldn't have issues, buy a second Service Grade Special.