While not the Remington 78's, for a long time one could buy a J.C. Higgins Model 50 in either .270 Win. or 30-06 for anywhere from $75 to $100 but sadly those days are long gone. I've een picking them up whenever I could and the price was close to being right. Now around $400 for clean one today seems to be about right but for a long time I could find them for under $250. Why a cheapie Sears gun? Actually, when they came out they were more expensive than the oh so desireable Pre-64 Winchester M70.
Their Mauser actions were made by FN in Belgium, barreled by High Standard with a chrome lined barrel and I've never figured out who did the stock which while it had a generally classic shape was quite clubby for those who had smaller hands.
I've seen a couple which were so badly beat up and rusty all over yet that chrome lined barrel was as shiny as a new dime. I have a few, several which have been made into custom guns but the unaltered ones are quite accurate.
A quality rifle that would cost a heck of a lot more today if it were still being made.
Paul B.