The 781 was made from 1971 until 1988. Your 781 was made in 1974. The stock shown on the one you are interested in is correct for 1974. I believe the previous model was 81 and had the same stock design. I do not care for the front sight on the early models. I would hold out for a newer model that was made in the 80's, with the newer style front sight, which I did.

 

That design is pressed in. I have a 782 with the same design.

 

Agree, my 782 and 783 stocks have that similar hot pressed wood burned design.
Here in central US, the current bid of $185 + s/h is approaching the upper value limits; $225 + could still be a bargain down there. If you've never owned a Marlin of that style, they are extremely accurate for an entry level bolt action.

 

The 700 series Marlin rifles are some of the best of Marlin...and that is a walnut stock, not the ash or birch that they plasticoated in the 80 series. Looks like a nice rifle

 

Thanks guys.
Much appreciated.
The $ value in US terms would be approx US$150 at the moment.
I'm being a bit naughty (haven't told the Missus yet), but have bid on this one too as it's local.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=917499906

I may end up with a couple of Marlins yet.

 

I'm not familiar with that model 7 up here; we have the XT22 series.
Too bad you have to go through the license and documentation to purchase. Guess a little more involved than our 4473 form and background check call.

 

Hi BB.
I think the guy meant to say 7 shot. I think it is a XT22 series rifle.
I won't ask as it may get other potential bidders interested (I want it as cheap as I can get it).
We grew up with having a licence system for firearms ownership, so we don't know any better!
Handguns not allowed of course, unless in a firing range situation and person (owner) must have another level of licence for that.
No handgun hunting allowed, just formal target shooting.
But the system does help weed out the twits who you don't really want having a firearm.

 

I had one with that stock. I refinished it, and I can tell you Marlin used some beautiful walnut for those rifles. Think I'd jump.at it if I were you.

 

Mines a 1982 vintage 781 and has the more traditional style pressed checkering rather than the basket weave as you've posted. Great rifle though and I suggest you buy it. Love mine and I looked for about 6 months online and at local gun shows to find one that wasn't totally beat. They are hard to come by in good condition here in the states so good luck and hope you end up with it. Keep us posted on how it goes :t

 

Grey Kiwi
How close did we come to winning the 781 ? The XT22 is just as good if you like black plastic, even though I prefer wood and tube mags.

 

Hi BB.
Not good. Went for over $250.
I watched the auction and didn't bother to bid when the price went up too high.
Maybe about $225 I would have been happy.
Never mind, still leading the bidding on the other Marlin (well, I'm the only bid at present).
No doubt this will change over the coming weekend when others have some time to scroll through the listings.