788 .44mag value?

[Remfarmer]

 I am the proud owner of a Remington 788 in .44mag. It is an early model with walnut stock and two clip magazines. It is in excelent condition and nevermind what I paid for it as it has been over a decade. I bought it used and shot it little. It is unbelievably accurate with loads loaded for a Super Blackhawk in a 7 1/2" barrel. I felt no need to load for it as it will touch bullet holes out to a hundred yards with most everything I have loaded for my revolvers if I can bare the sting. Yes it does sting!
 I stopped in at my gunsmith last Saturday and he is aware I have this rifle and told me he has someone wanting one. He asked what I would sell it for? I never thought of selling this gun because of its rarity but when he pushed me into telling what I would sell it for I said $900.00. He shot back a step and smiled knowing I paid nowhere near that and joked me a little about it as other customers listened in. I know this gun was a cheap sell for Big Green but knowing I have one so nice and the only one I've seen much less anyone I've talked to keeps me wanting to not just give it away. I have seen clip magazines on ebay start at $125.00 for the .44mag. Anyway before I left he told me to bring it in so he could have a look at it for this fellow. I now wonder if I should have named a price at all for just to see what others might think.
 I realize emotions play alot on gun buying and selling but if anyone out there has seen one of these recently sell; what kind of price do they command? Maybe I am the fool to sell...or not sell?
Doug

[EVOC ONE]

I've not seen a .44 mag 788 in a long time.  I do frequently see .308 and .243 versions and they are not usually any less than $375 and typically in the $425 to $500 range, depending on condition.  My father still has a .222 package version with a 4X scope that he bought new in the early '70's.  It is still in new condition.  I believe he paid $124 back then. 

If you really like the gun and are not in need of the cash, I would keep it.  As you say, they are hard to come by. Should financial issues occur, you could always sell it for decent money.

EVOC ONE

[victorcharlie]

It really doesn't matter what they sell for if you'll regret selling it later........Life ain't all about money, at least not for me......if I didn't need the money and wasn't looking to sell the rifle I'd either tell him it's not for sale or price it redicously high........just like you did.

Maybe you should have asked what he was willing to pay before telling him you think you'll just keep the rifle.

My father bought me a 788 in .243 back when I was a young man.......it wansn't anything special, and I traded it off......I sure wish I'd kept it........

[35Rem]

A quick look on gunbroker.com shows one with a reserve around $600.  There is also a 30-30, nearly as scarce, for about $675....

I would think you have a keeper.  Unless you are really hurting, I'd hang on to it.

[Prebanpaul]

LETS ALL BE SMART,  IF YOU CAN GET $900 FOR IT SELL IT IMMEDIATELY.  THEN TAKE YOUR MONEY AND BUY ANOTHER ON ON GUNBROKER. THIS IS SIMPLE MATH. YOU CAN EASILY BUY ONE ON THERE FOR AROUND A MAX OF 700.  SO NOW YOU HAVE THE SAME GUN AND $200 IN YOUR POCKET.

[beemanbeme]

If it does indeed have the walnut stock and two mags --try to find a mag for a 6mm Rem-- I don't think your price is too out of line.
HOWEVER, I'd hang onto it for reasons beyond money. 

[Shooter973]

I have 3  788's in my safe. 2 of them are in 30/30 and are in great shape and scoped. I only shoot cast bullets in them. The other is a 788 in 223, that has to be one of the most accurate rifles I've ever shot!!!    They are not for sale but it's nice to know what others think they might be worth...... I do ahve extra mags for all 3 of them, but buying an extra mag now would really hurt!

[crow_feather]

Isn't it funny how so many people say a front lock up bolt is necessary for good accuracy?  The folks at Remington were a little red faced when people prefered the accuracy of the cheap rifle.

C F