Author Topic: Browning B-78 prices (Read 793 times)

TexasMac · « **on:** February 23, 2004, 05:04:15 PM »

I'm shopping for a Browning B-78 in good condition in either 7mm or .30-06 and was surprised at the high asking price versus the prices listed in my 3-year old edition of the Blue Book of Gun Values. I was wondering if some of you fellows could comment on the reasonable price for one. I'd also be beholding to someone with a current edition of the Blue Book who can check the price for a 98% rifle and post it here. Thanks.

Wayne

arty · « **Reply #1 on:** February 24, 2004, 04:57:12 AM »

the b-78's are worth what people will pay for them. three or four years ago i could buy them here and there, as new, for 575, 600 or thereabouts. look through an issue of gunlist and you'll see that most are going for 750, 900, or if its a octagon 25-06, they are asking 1200. you can usually wait and find someone who's not asking an arm and a leg. i picked up a round barreled 3006 for 750 last spring that was basically new. keep looking, and dont worry with ones that 'are as new in box'. buy one that has been used for cheap, because the used condition of the majority of b78's is the same as near new. hope this helps. arty

TexasMac · « **Reply #2 on:** February 25, 2004, 08:29:54 AM »

Hi Arty,
I sure appreciate your comments. Yep, the prices you mentioned are the range I'm seeing. At least now I have an idea of the "market price". Take care.

Wayne

deadmarsh · « **Reply #3 on:** February 26, 2004, 07:02:41 AM »

Yeah, just keep looking...I just purchased a like-new B78 in 30-06 with the octagon barrel and a custom trigger without eject for $750 total...was almost in 100% shape. All I can truly say is that they are on the uprise as far as price goes; if you see a good one, buy it or that rifle will be $100 more in a year or so...Dead

LJOHNS · « **Reply #4 on:** March 05, 2004, 06:04:55 AM »

I just picked up a 6mm oct. barrel for $715 plus shipping. I should have it in hand next week! :lol:

RDS · « **Reply #5 on:** March 05, 2004, 09:52:39 AM »

TexasMac, I picked up a Browning 1885 in 30-06 in november for $775.00.
I did a BUY IT NOW on gunbroker and thought that was about $25.00
high, but it was in exelent shape w/ exceptional wood. There was another one for action at the same time that 2 guys bid up over $1000.00. Go figure! To my surprise at the big gun show here in Houston last month I saw 2 b-78's in 30-06 (same dealer) they were $750.00 & $775.00 asking price. They were both in exelent shape, the higher one just had better wood. Good luck in your quest!
RDS

TexasMac · « **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2004, 02:26:29 PM »

Thanks guys.

I believe I now understand the where the market price is at. I have found a few on some of the gun auctions but generally they are in the $900 to $1K range for a good used rifle. Of course these guys likely purchased them for $700 to $800 and are trying to make a few bucks. One guy was asking $1600 for brand spanking NIB 25-06 which I know he paid just under $1200 for a week or so earlier. It had an octagon barrel, which is reportedly a somewhat rare version.

So, based on the feedback from you guys I believe I'll keep searching the Internet and local gun shows for one in the price range you've mentioned. I sure appreciated the help. Thanks a bunch.

Wayne