I have a 788 complete action. I can't decide weather to sell or build a 260 on it. Most 788's are very accurate, even though they have design flaws that are suppose to make them inaccurate. What is the value of a 788 action w/ 1 mag, in the white? Is there more value if I build it (will I get my $$ out of it)?

Action: ??
Boyds stock: $100
Shaw barrel: $180
Fitting: free (I can do it)
Base and rings: $40
Finish: ?? maybe $100 maybe $200

The 788's that I see for sale are in the $450-$550 range. I don't know if this is because of any collector value or if this is all they will bring. I have never seen a custom one for sale.

I have a couple of 788 parts guns in 25 Souper and 260. Both have Douglas barrels and McM Classic style stock and shoot good groups, but there is more $$ in them then I ever expect to get out of them. Another example of simple builds that got out of control.

Of course - another labor of love(aka money pit)!!! Just like my Mausers.

Not much collecter value in 788s unless they are not everyday configuration and in excellent shape. Users are just that. I have no clue what an action would be worth but if you like it I would build on it. The handful I've owned have been very accurate and the triggers can be made pretty nice. Mag box constraints can be an issue though

My friend sent two 788's out to a custom gunsmith for a complete blueprinting and barreling with Krieger barrels in .223 Remington. He had McMilan stocks installed at the same time. They shoot amazingly well, as expected. My poor little old 788 in .223 Remington is pretty much stock, except for a Timney Trigger, and a bit of glass bedding. It shoots the 36 grain Varmint Grenade well enough for ground squirrels. I am thinking of sending it out to Pac-Nor Barreling for a rebarrel using one of their polygonal 1:9" twist Super Match barrels. My other such barrel shoots the 40 grain Nosler BT Lead Free under .25" although on a Savage Target Action.

The 788 or any other custom rifle made with cobbled together parts (my safe is full of them) are never going to recoup the money they cost, but I don't build rifles for resale. They are for fun and experimentation, especially if one has the money to spend.

I'm building a couple of .260s on 788 actions right now. They will both have Classic Barrel and Gunworks cut rifle barrels, Timney Triggers, and McMillan Stocks. No point in going with cheap barrel and stock. You can buy cheap rifles anywhere.

There are no design issues with the 788 that would cause inaccuracies. Quite the contrary. The 788 has a very fast lockup and extremely rigid receiver. That translates into real accuracy.

IMHO, a custom built rifle is not usually a good way to invest, if a return on your money is your goal. One man's custom may not have as much value for someone else. You have the makings of an outstanding custom build for yourself. Go for it and keep it forever.

I just traded into a 6.5 barrel, so the project is on!! In about a year I should have a nice 260 custom on a 788.

Yes, I am slow on getting things to completion. I have a 416 Taylor that needs the barrel chopped from 26" to 21.5", and a finish put on it. It has been in the back of the safe for 2 yrs in that condition.
I could fill a safe w/ all my partially finished projects!

Regarding the 788, does anyone know where one can get a LH stock? I have a 6mm with LH bolt but it needs a new stock.
I actually have a blank that I could use if there is a stock builder out there who would be interested in this.

McMillan makes lefties for the 788, I believe. If they don't, any synthetic, or wood for that matter can easily be converted to left hand with patience and MarineTex. A coat of texture and color and you're in business.

H&S Precision Stock was RH, now LH.

Thanks for that information. I don't see me as one who could repair a RH stock after making it a LH stock but I guess there's always a first time. In the meantime, I may call McMillan.

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Dave in MN can do it. I think he has a 788 pattern. He goes by "inthe10ring" at Mauser central, or you can PM me and I'll find his phone #.

Another question: Is the bottom inletting for a 788 the same as a 721?

pm sent. Thank you!