Inquiring as to current value of a Remington 788 .44 Magnum in EXC. condition. DOM 1968.

I’d like to know too. My 44 788 is not likely as nice a condition as yours though. It’s my understanding that there were more 44’s made than 30-30’s but the 44’s are the ones that bring the mist $’s.

Not real common. Last one i saw was 800 a couple years ago

Worth way more than $800.00, these days.

As many of us have stated It’s worth what someone is willing to pay.... not being smarty at all just saying a buddy if mine would give you a grand for right now Me personally I would be hard pressed to give $400 for it Open market probably $600-$800 Someone who collects them and has every caliber but t a 44 mag Could be $1500 or more

if it's excellent condition I wouldn't let it go for less than $1,500.

The early 788's with the walnut stocks are more desirable too. This one should have the walnut stock, similar to the 30-30 I have. I've been offered $900 for my rifle, so I'm sure the OP's rifle is worth more than that...

It does have a walnut stock, according to the S/N it was made in the second year of production 1968. Complete with scope and mount I gladly gave the owner the $500. he was asking.

Sounds like you did very well. Maybe think about adding that to the list on the budget rifle thread. A lot of guys want to buy new pos plastic rifles, these days, while there are still good/great deals like this out there. Doesn’t make a lot of sense. But to each their own

There was one at the hardware store in Kendrick, Idaho, for $73.95. This was in 1972, mind you. GD

They were bought by people who couldn't afford a rifle.Can't count how many I sold for a buck and a quarter.Weigh a ton and the 308's kick worse than my 375H&H.

The 788 Rem genre was a unique rifle both in aft locking lug configuration as well as the 9 lug bolt facilitating 60 degree bolt rotation, scope friendly config. Plus, surprise bonus of unexpected accuracy; reputation earned.

As BSA, I both chamberings. 44 Mag, mfg Dec 67 & 30-30 Win in Oct 67. Each showing moderate field use. Had them for decades. Of the two, the 30-30 the sweet spot only surpassed in similar bolt rifle chambering connotation by the Winchester unique Model 54 Carbine built a half century before the 788! specimens I also own & revere.

Worthy Wiki discussion as competent summary. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remington_Model_788

To my mind, these were considerably under-valuated rifles in design and factual product!

Just my take!
Best!
John

As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Those are accurate rifles, and AFIK function well, but have all the grace and beauty of a step-van. Even Savage 340s are more comely. When I bought my first CF rifle long ago and far away, it was an easy decision to pony up another $15 Fair Trade bucks for a 600, plastic crap and all. I assume the current prices are from collectors as I can’t imagine paying that kind of dough for one to shoot. If I ever come across a good deal on one I might buy it as an investment or trade goods, but not to use.

Met a guy on the trail a few years back toting a LH .308 in very nice condition. He was obviously very fond of it, possibly his only rifle his entire life.

I still have the 581 I got for Christmas in 1967. It’s no cheesier than similarly-priced .22s from that era, and like the bigger ones works and shoots just fine. Need to get it out and give it some exercise.

All that aside, I hope the parties involve all emerge happy with the outcome.

They were indeed an "economy" rifle when Remington brought them out. However, after guys figured out they shot so well they hung on to them, or even searched them out. The 44 mag and 30-30 are the desirable ones, but I've shot some chambered in other cartridges and they are always tack drivers. Remington did something right back then, even though they were supposed to be the economy rifle of the day.

The rumor I heard was Douglas premium made the barrels for Remington Any truth to this ?

I doubt it. Remington IIRC, invented button rifling as an economy measure, but they ended up being good shooters too, which made the 700 a success.

You’ve got yours dolled up very nicely.

788 barrels were hammer forged; just like those on 700's. I have not seen one which was not accurate; at least by hunting rifle standards. I built a Light Varmint BR rifle on a 788 and it was not quite competitive, but still beat a bunch of much more refined rifles every time I used it. The trigger wasn't great but could be set up quite well. I wish I had bought that 44 Mag in Kendrick. As it was, my wife's uncle bought it and still has it. GD

A fellow here in Ga recently was selling both a 44 and 30-30. He of course knew what he had and was asking for either $1200 or $1500 each. I own a 7mm 08 carbine that I think I got off a member here and a 22-250 that looked new when it came in on trade t the shop I was working at. the 22-250 is probably the most accurate rifle I own. I would love to have a 44 and a 3030 but not willing to give that kind of money for another one that will sit in the safe to the day I die.

^

Yeah, that sucks. It's nice to take them out and use them!!!

Checked the "True Gun Value" ap for prices realized on sales of .44 Magnum 788's, one sold for $1,500 and the other for $1,900 ! That's why when the seller told me he was asking $500 I didn't hesitate getting my cash out.

I looked for “True Gun Value” ap. Couldn’t find it