760 308 Carbine Question

[Tim50]

I have not seen many carbines in 308.  A local shop has one and they have a price tag of $695...Its in very good condition but this seems high to me. Any input would be appreciated....

[The Gamemaster]

The price of a new carbine was the same as the regular rifle.

Chances are that it is in MINT Condition and the owner thinks it is worth more than it is.

308 Caliber rifles did not cost anything more than a '06 or a 270, but when you went to buy one used - it seemed that the people that owned the 270's thought they were worth more money also.

If it is what you are looking for, go for it.

You didn't mention if it had rings and bases or if it had a scope on it.

I could hook you up with all the regular 760's that you want.

I could also keep my eyes out at the local gun shops for a Carbine if that was what you were looking for.

Most people do not get rid of a good 760 = so if one is for sale you have to expect major loss of bluing and scratches in the stock.  Some rust is normal - because if it was in good condition - they wouldn't want to get rid of it.

None of that means that it will not shoot accurately.

I just took a Model 6 to the gun-shop to have a new Leupold scope bore sighted and when I was walking through the store - a customer asked me if I was going to sell that gun.

I spent as much on that gun to replace the stock as I paid for the whole rifle and most people think's  it is a 760 until I show them that it is a Model 6 because it has a stock and forearm off a regular ADL 760 that I put on it.

Most gunsmiths charge $65 to shorten a barrel and re blue the repair area.

So if you can buy a nice regular model for $450 - you would be better off to just buy it and have it changed to your specifications.

Where I live, you cannot sell a gun once it has had its barrel shortened because most hunters believe that it subtracts from the accuracy.

[Siskiyou]

The price on different models may very by region but I am rather taken back by $695 for a used 7600 carbine in .308 Winchester.

From the Remington site:

30-06 (carbine)   18 1/2"   10"   39 1/8"   7 1/4   24661   $749
308 Win.   22"   10"   42 5/8"   7 1/2   24659   $749
                     

Because of regional preferences used 760/7600 rifles and carbines may run cheaper in the West or it could be the time of year.  A couple of weeks ago I attended the Big Gun Show in Reno, Nevada.  Beside full size 760./7600 rifles I came across a number of 760/7600 carbines and a couple of M742 Carbines on tables.  The most common caliber was the 30-06.  I believe there was a M742 carbine in .308, and M760 in 270 Winchester.  The condition of the rifles run from good to very good.  I realize that used rifles may have a minor scratch or two on the wood, but none of the rifles show signs of abuse.    Price varied from $245 to about $350.  That is a long ways from $695.

The prices on full size rifles where about the same.

I believe that many older rifles which include the M760 are coming on the market because many of the hunters who surged into the woods in the 50’s and 60’s are in their 70’s and 80’s.  And based on the loss of WWII veterans many have passed on. A couple of years ago I came across a like new M760 in .300 Savage for $295.  It had never worn a scope and looked like it had come out of the factory box.  The point I am trying to make is that for this area $695 is out of line.  If it is wearing a good scope it is worth more.

If your heart is set on a carbine in .308 Winchester you may have to pay the price.  Or pay a lower price for a carbine in 30-06.

[Tim50]

Thanks for the info guys!! I live in Pennsylvania the "Pump Gun Capital of the World"!! The gun I'm looking at loos just like this one!! I thought maybe the 308 was a limited production. Honestly I see '06's everywhere but 308 are few & far between. The guns worth $300-$350 to me!! But to each his own......

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=70403697

[The Gamemaster]

I got that impression as soon as you asked about a 760 - because Pennsylvania is the home of the Gamemaster rifle.

What you need to do is get in contact with Grice Gun Shop in Clearfield PA or Bob's Army and Navy.

Grice Wholesale is the largest privately owned dealer on the east coast and the wholesaler that sold most of the Gamemasters   on the east coast.

If you read the bio on the Remington 760 Gamemaster and Remington - there is a mention of that one particular gun shop.

As for a 7600 - that is a different story.

You can buy a new 7600 for less than $600 any day of the week.

Grice's probably has 20 of them on stock right now.

A 760 is not a 7600 to anyone that is a real Remington gun collector / hunter.

[Siskiyou]

Tim50:  Clearly you know what you are looking for and what a fair price is in your area.  The impression I get is that there should be a bounty of used 760 Remington’s in your State.  Based on fifty years of experience they are a sturdy hunting rifle.  While they are considered the Pennsylvania hunting rifle they were very popular in Northern California.  During the late 50’s and 60’s a large number of them were purchased in the area I lived.  It was the first rifle for a lot of young hunters.  And it was popular with a lot of guys my Dad’s age.  No doubt about it the 30-06 was the most popular caliber.  Dad gave my brother and I M760’s in .270 Winchester.  One friend received a M760 in .280 Remington.

Many times I choose the 760 over other options, because of the ability to get into action fast and fill my tag.  A lot of the country I hunt is steep and nasty.  Clearly not flatlander country. When bucks are spotted in this area they are normally on the move with a small window of opportunity to collect them.



I carried the hams of this buck out earlier and returned with a pack frame to get the top half.  The 760 had done its part.  On another hunt I took another buck a few hundred yards from the spot I collect this one.  Again the buck was moving. The ability to swing on the buck and gain sight alignment made the shot possible before it disappeared. 

[NYHunter]

I've been trying to locate a used 760 in .308, in very good condition,  for almost a year now. Would like the carbine but will take the rifle and have it modified. Already tried Grice, no luck, they keep telling me to check back periodically. If anyone can point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it.

Thanks.

PS Already have (2) 760's,  an '06 - my go to gun, and a .300 Sav.

[Siskiyou]

After the trip to the Reno gunshow I thought I had a feel for the price of used 760’s.  But  my mind got a twist the other day.  I went into a small gun shop that I do business with.  I realize that at times their prices are on the high side.  They stock a lot of used firearms, and special order new ones.

I spotted a M760 on the rack; from a distance I could see scaring from rust on the underside of the barrel.  Where there was bluing it was more gray then blue.  I could tell it was an old one because it had not been tapped for a scope.  I found it to be a .300 Savage in the 12X,XXX range.  The butt plate was a poor fit, and the rifle was beat over all.  I would rate it Fair to poor.  The rifle looked like it has spent the fifty+ years riding in a gun rack or behind the seat of a pickup.

http://www.armchairgunshow.com/Condition-NRA-Guns.htm#modern

The shocker was the asking price of $300.00. 

The shop lost a lot of creditability with me.  I have witnessed the shop treat customers fairly, and give good advice to customers.  Who knows that maybe a negotiating price?

A M760, 308 Winchester Carbine would be a temptation.