Rem 788 in .223 Rem worth?

GraySkull

January 02, 2015 15:58

I have a Remington model 788 in .223 Rem that I'm thinking of selling.

Details on the 788: S/N puts the build date in 1978. The blueing is in excellenet shape. I am refinishing the stock even though it didn't have any dents or scratches in it because the finish wasn't up to my expectations (finish was dull and "lifeless). I installed a Limbsaver butt pad (and I have the original butt plate). I have three magazines for it. At present it has a Tasco MAG 3-12X40 mm scope mounted on a Picatiny rail (I have the original iron sights for it too). It shoots sub 1" groups at 100 yards off bags on a bench.

IMHO, it is a 98% rifle because it is in excellent condition.

Any and all opinions will be greatly appreciated.

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  deerhide

  January 02, 2015 16:11

  Around here it would be prized for seal hunting. With the iron sights included; $450 CDN

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  babun

  January 02, 2015 18:13

  When the 788 first came out, the hot caliber to get it in was .222 or 22/250. They are among the most accurate out of the box "cheap" guns. I have 3 of them.[:D][:D][:D]
  But now-a-days with 223/5.56 ammo the hot thing, your rifle gets a plus factor.
  Should be easy to to get $450 to $550 as per the completed sales seen on GB.

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  GraySkull

  January 02, 2015 18:22

  Thanks for the replies.
  
  Now I have some idea as to the price range that I can (hopefully) sell it for.

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  toad67

  January 02, 2015 18:25

  If your refinish comes out way different from the original then it will deduct from the value. IMO an original finish with wear is better than most refinishes.

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  GraySkull

  January 02, 2015 18:33

  The original finish wasn't taken care of by the previous owner. It wasn't scratched or dented but was nasty and wouldn't clean up (the original finish was a varnish? and not in good shape).
  
  I stripped it and it only needed light sanding to get to the final wood texture.
  
  I bought a Birchwood Casey refinishing kit (which I've used before which was recommended by a local gunsmith years ago). I've found that the Birchwood Casey finish is VERY durable, makes the stock look outstanding, and is easy to maintian.
  
  But that's me.

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  Mobuck

  January 03, 2015 06:11

  your refinish comes out way different from the original then it will deduct from the value. IMO an original finish with wear is better than most refinishes.
  The original finish wasn't taken care of by the previous owner.
  
  Regardless, a rifle with 98% metal and a refinished stock is not a 98% rifle. Collectors frown on ANY refinishing. Otherwise, those are solid utility rifles with a mediocre trigger and eminently suitable for what the original intent was-low price point.
  Long ago, I had one in 22/250 but simply couldn't shoot it well with the factory trigger. On a trip to the local gun shop looking for a Timney, I was offered a new Rem 700(22/250) that had been dinged in transit for about $40 more than a new 788 trigger. No second thoughts there.

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  20gabob

  January 03, 2015 07:55

  I would sure be interested in buying your 788 plastic butplate if you wanted to sell it separately. I need one for my 788 in 243. Please let me know. Bob

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