I am sorry for the divergence from Double guns.. though I will make a comparison. I ask because you guys remain the most knowledgeable group of gun guys I know.
So Grandpap had one deer rifle; A model 88 Winchester in .308. I always thought one in .358 would be a nice gun. Without fail they bring $2700+ on the web. Why? I know that something is worth what someone else is willing to pay but from a numbers standpoint I don't get it. It is a "field grade" gun with no ornamentation. There is never an above average highly figured piece of wood and with Est production @ 30,000+ I wouldn't consider them rare. When compared to vintage doubles that bring $3k, production numbers are much lower. When compared to "rare" gauges, production numbers are much lower and from a function standpoint any .243 or .308 can cheaply be converted to .358 if you NEED the bigger bore. Sorry for the O/T I just continue to wonder. My new to me 88 in .308 arrives this week.
Winchester collectors have pockets almost as deep as Parker Bros. or Colt collectors. The .358 has following among seasoned hunters matter of fact even Savage 99 will bring well over thousand dollars. The highest quality/price ratio in lever actioned .358 Winchester would be Browning BLR which in excellent condition will set you back $650+/-50. Not sure if some chambered in that caliber came from Belgium, but all I have seen were made in Japan. Anyhow the maker is B.C.Miroku meaning quality is at least as good as anything made by Winchester or Savage Arms.
