Seeking price check on 788

[Littlemarlin]

Wondering if you folks could tell me if $459 + tax is too much for a Remington 788 carbine in 7mm-08. Something tells me this is about the right price but also top price. The gun is in great shape, bluing is excellent, however, there appears to be some spots on the stock where finish has lifted so not a mint gun. No major scratching or gouging. Feels good in the hands but a bit hefty. Seems like a good gun for both dense timber work or mountain shooting. How hard are the carbines to come by?

[bigjeepman]

Originally, I was after a 788 in 7mm-08 but chose a nice one in .308. I am not sure, but I "think" the 7mm-08 was only ever offered with a 18" barrel. Since I love the .308 caliber, it was not a hard decision and I picked up a 7mm-08 later in a Tikka T3.

As far as the price, again, it might depend on the area of the country you live in but $400-$500 for a 788 is the norm out here. I recently ran across a nice one in .222 that the man had just sold for around $350. I would have given more for it as it was in great condition. I have also seen asking prices of $600 lately but I am sure that wasn't the selling price.

I refinished my stock with Tru Oil and am very pleased with it after mounting a Bushnell 3200 Elite on it. I will do further load testing on it but it is in the MOA area now. Here is mine ...


bjm

[Littlemarlin]

Bigjeepman,

Yes, this one has the 18.5" barrel. I also own one in 22-250 that I paid $350 for, which seems like a more reasonable price on these. Your Tru Oil job looks excellent how many coats did you use?

[jedirkeds]

They did the 788 in 22'' rifle sighted barrels, 22'' plain, and 18 1/2'' rifle sighted.

A relative had two with 22'' barrels. Both iron sights, now he has an 18 1/2'' .243.

[Littlemarlin]

jedirkeds,

My 22-250 has a 24" barrel - Can't figure out if I like carbine length barrels or not. I've never actually used one but I think I do based handling them in gun stores. I'm very tall but they seem to handle quickly and point well which seems like a benefit if you have to be on target quickly in dense cover, though some people suggest that a shorter barrel can make it more difficult to "swing through" on a target since the tendency is to poke the barrel out at the target rather than swing smoothly. Not sure I buy this argument.

[preacher]

Since it's in 7mm08, I'd say its a fair price, as it will hold its resale value even more.

[Papalote]

I gave 450 for 6mm with a good scope about 2 years ago. As you know they are great shooters.

Papalote

[Ha Dingus]

I just saw one on the used rack about three weeks ago. It was a 308 and was missing the front and rear sights. Metal was VG and wood just had some marks in the finish from carry in the woods. They wanted $275 for it. I passed - figured it would cost me $40-$60 to find sights for it. Some one bought it real quick though. It didn't last a week.

I did a lot of research on the internet re: the 788. Lots of talk about bolt handles breaking off and headspace problems. Still, they are perceived to be super accurate rifles.

[jedirkeds]

jedirkeds,

My 22-250 has a 24" barrel - Can't figure out if I like carbine length barrels or not. I've never actually used one but I think I do based handling them in gun stores. I'm very tall but they seem to handle quickly and point well which seems like a benefit if you have to be on target quickly in dense cover, though some people suggest that a shorter barrel can make it more difficult to "swing through" on a target since the tendency is to poke the barrel out at the target rather than swing smoothly. Not sure I buy this argument.

I forget that Remington used to do 24'' barrels. Wonder when the standard changed. I keep thinking 22'' for ALL the bolt guns and that's not the case.

He says they were 24'' too.

Jedirkeds

[Ha Dingus]

There was a table holder at the last gun show with a rack of 788s. They were all very clean and priced about $450. I thought his 30-30 was interesting but came to my senses. 30-30, that's what I've got Marlins for.