The Remington 788

synik said:
They are a cool, nostalgic piece of history but I question if a person would be better off buying a new economy rife for less money than a 40 year old 788 that may have been loaded hot with a bolt handle that may fall off, with a creepy trigger, a rattling mag, awkward plane stalk, that you can’t buy parts for anymore.
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Certainly the brazed on bolt is a concern. But if you act accordingly this can be mitigated somewhat.
Look to our EE and pre owned 788 rifles really don't take root in there. No multiple btt. I would rather take my chances with an older but cared for 788 than any brand new Savage Axis. But that's just me.
They are generally speaking, a good risk if you can live with the stock maybe change that trigger but that's it.
 
Brutus said:
A .308 LH and the .222 in RH.
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Me too now!

I couldn't believe the LH 308 and needed to confirm what I was seeing. So I bought a nice, as it came from the factory in 1976, right handed 222 Rem. Scoped it and through some RL7 and 50 Nosler BT loads together.
The trigger on this one is difficult to shoot at a creepy 7lbs but I managed to get through it.



The very first group after getting it on paper was the Remington factory 50 gr Core-Lokts. 3100 fps into just over a half inch at 100 yards. I was excited.



The handloads were 20.5 and 21gr RL7, 50 Nosler BT seated at 5 and 18 thou off the lands. They shot consistently decent but the highlight was the 20.5/18 thou load with 5 shots into a half inch. Doggy though at just over 3000 fps. Perfect.



The trigger will get fixed, the mag doesn't rattle and so far the handle hasn't fallen off. Based on my two rifle sample, the Remington 788 is one of the most accurate rifles I have shot. A great day to be a Remington!
 
Buckmastr said:
Me too now!

I couldn't believe the LH 308 and needed to confirm what I was seeing. So I bought a nice, as it came from the factory in 1976, right handed 222 Rem. Scoped it and through some RL7 and 50 Nosler BT loads together.
The trigger on this one is difficult to shoot at a creepy 7lbs but I managed to get through it.



The very first group after getting it on paper was the Remington factory 50 gr Core-Lokts. 3100 fps into just over a half inch at 100 yards. I was excited.



The handloads were 20.5 and 21gr RL7, 50 Nosler BT seated at 5 and 18 thou off the lands. They shot consistently decent but the highlight was the 20.5/18 thou load with 5 shots into a half inch. Doggy though at just over 3000 fps. Perfect.



The trigger will get fixed, the mag doesn't rattle and so far the handle hasn't fallen off. Based on my two rifle sample, the Remington 788 is one of the most accurate rifles I have shot. A great day to be a Remington!
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Fit a Timney trigger on the bugger or do the old school fix to the original unit to get nice results. Key reasons for the 788's accuracy are due mainly to action stiffness, good barrels and uber fast locktime. Tain't hard to capitalize on that fer a good build if desired.
 
Brutus said:
Certainly the brazed on bolt is a concern. But if you act accordingly this can be mitigated somewhat.
Look to our EE and pre owned 788 rifles really don't take root in there. No multiple btt. I would rather take my chances with an older but cared for 788 than any brand new Savage Axis. But that's just me.
They are generally speaking, a good risk if you can live with the stock maybe change that trigger but that's it.
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Your right. They are a good seller. It must be because of the accuracy reputation because if you google “788 issues” the list of possible problems is longer than most. It would be interesting to do a direct comparison with say a 783 and see if they still are worth the money.
 
Nice, you added a set screw and spring?

I was debating doing that, but with my other mods to the trigger it feels around 3 pounds.
 
cody c said:
Nice, you added a set screw and spring?

I was debating doing that, but with my other mods to the trigger it feels around 3 pounds.
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It is adjustable similar to a walker trigger now. Weight, overtravel and sear engagement screws were added by my gunsmith.
 
DVXDUDE said:
Anyone know which is the rarest cartridge in 788?

I can't say I've ever seen a 30 30 or 6mm
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I think many would agree with me the 44 Remington Magnum. 30-30 a very close second.
6mm 788s have appeared here once in a blue moon.
7mm-08 more common but they get snapped up pretty darn quick. Might be the best deer caliber in this rifle.
Even the 223 seems quite outnumbered by the 222.
Most commonly seen here I think 308 followed by 22-250.

Opinions?
 
Brutus said:
I think many would agree with me the 44 Remington Magnum. 30-30 a very close second.
6mm 788s have appeared here once in a blue moon.
7mm-08 more common but they get snapped up pretty darn quick. Might be the best deer caliber in this rifle.
Even the 223 seems quite outnumbered by the 222.
Most commonly seen here I think 308 followed by 22-250.

Opinions?
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I've owned 788's in 222, 22-250, 243, a couple of 6mm's, 7mm-08 and 308. Not including the Wildcats I've built on them. 22-243 Middlestead, 25 Souper, 6mm-284. I have handled a couple of 30-30's, and only one 44 Mag. I'd have to agree, those are the most unusual cartridges it was chambered in. - dan
 
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