Rem.788 Vs. Rem.model 700
- Thread starter renegator
- Start date
Don't know about the fastest of any bolt action, but certainly faster than most production actions. First versions had a flat firing pin shank, later ones, round. Firing pin tip is also smaller in diameter. Barrel was meatier than a 700's, receiver is stiffer, single position feed magazine contributed to this as well as a stiffer stock. There are many good things about the 788 that contribute to their well deserved reputation for out of the box accuracy.
788 bolt handles
Tiriaq
I sit corrected ....
I concede the point of broken bolt handles on 788s. Experience outweighs any opinion.
Having held a pressure vessel welding ticket for a couple of decades, I know that a good weld is stronger than the original metal. When torn by heavy equipment, the weld holds and the surrounding metal rips.
As for lock time, I think it is a factor. Our club has a rifle match that requires off hand shooting at 100 yds. I've outshot any calibre, action and bullet type you care to name with my 788 using Winchester factory 150 gr PSP ammo.
The three shot mag is a bummer for such matches, OK for hunting, but it's a limitation you can work with. Beats me why makers still offer expensive detachable mags for hunting rifles that will eventually be somewhere you aren't.
Mauser had it right.
Todd
Tiriaq
I sit corrected ....
I concede the point of broken bolt handles on 788s. Experience outweighs any opinion.
Having held a pressure vessel welding ticket for a couple of decades, I know that a good weld is stronger than the original metal. When torn by heavy equipment, the weld holds and the surrounding metal rips.
As for lock time, I think it is a factor. Our club has a rifle match that requires off hand shooting at 100 yds. I've outshot any calibre, action and bullet type you care to name with my 788 using Winchester factory 150 gr PSP ammo.
The three shot mag is a bummer for such matches, OK for hunting, but it's a limitation you can work with. Beats me why makers still offer expensive detachable mags for hunting rifles that will eventually be somewhere you aren't.
Mauser had it right.
Todd
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I kind of agree with Sharp'63.....using both 788s of mine in Saskatchewan, I had a relentless record on jackrabbits and deer. Mostly from unsupported, offhand, position shooting.
I say kind of, only because, there was a generous small game/varmint season after deer season was over.....
Lots of rifle practice, all year round, on live game.
I say kind of, only because, there was a generous small game/varmint season after deer season was over.....
Lots of rifle practice, all year round, on live game.
The handle is basically pegged into the side of the bolt body, and appears to be induction copper brazed in place. The bolt plug threads are cut into the face of the root of the bolt handle - it goes right through the body wall. I have seen broken joints, and breaks where part of the bolt body came with the handle. I would jig them up, wrap the lug area in wet rags, and silver braze them back on, generally would use a paste silver/flux blend. My repairs didn't seem to fail any more often than original joints. If Remington had used a bolt handle with a collar, like Winchester did, it would be just about impossible to break a handle off. Experimentally, I turned down the shank of a bolt body, and installed a modified 110 Savage handle. Better system than Remington used, although the handle would have cost more.
If you study the primary extraction on a 788, you will notice that the camming is limited. If the chamber is rough, and extraction becomes really sticky, and force is applied to the handle, it might separate. Handle failure really isn't a problem with a well maintained rifle. I have most of a 788 long action with a brand new .308 face late pattern bolt body that I may use to make up a precision rifle someday.
If you study the primary extraction on a 788, you will notice that the camming is limited. If the chamber is rough, and extraction becomes really sticky, and force is applied to the handle, it might separate. Handle failure really isn't a problem with a well maintained rifle. I have most of a 788 long action with a brand new .308 face late pattern bolt body that I may use to make up a precision rifle someday.
You can also drill and tap through the handle into the bolt for extra security. I've never done it myself (never felt the need), but I've seen a couple of rifles done this way. - dan
I've owned several...never did like'em enough to hold onto them.
The bolt pull can be compared to riding a bicycle between the railroad tracks, the triggers are not that great, the magazines are bordering on ### w/their single stack and plastic release button, as can the plastic safety.
Add a plain jane hardwood stock (all of mine were warped to one side or the other), and I can't see the excitement.
They do have a cult following though, and I will pass on any that I find to you fellas from now on!
The bolt pull can be compared to riding a bicycle between the railroad tracks, the triggers are not that great, the magazines are bordering on ### w/their single stack and plastic release button, as can the plastic safety.
Add a plain jane hardwood stock (all of mine were warped to one side or the other), and I can't see the excitement.
They do have a cult following though, and I will pass on any that I find to you fellas from now on!
Silk purse from a sow's ear ....
280 Ackley
Yep, she's a sow's ear all right, but minimal work will turn it into a silk purse.
That was the point - a good shooting rifle without a lot of frills.
The plain jane wood problem is oversome with glass bedding, as with many stocks, and the look is enhanced by refinishing. The textured 'granite' finish on mine draws attention and compliments.
I've got an LSI/ HOWA .308 Varminter (same action as the Weatherby Vanguard) with a Boyd thumbhole stock and I had to relieve the barrel channel on one side, have it glass bedded and the trigger worked on to make it perform.
I don't quite understand your comments about the 788 bolt pull, but it's a matter of preference. Some people find the wobble of a Mauser bolt to be objectionable.
Todd
280 Ackley
Yep, she's a sow's ear all right, but minimal work will turn it into a silk purse.
That was the point - a good shooting rifle without a lot of frills.
The plain jane wood problem is oversome with glass bedding, as with many stocks, and the look is enhanced by refinishing. The textured 'granite' finish on mine draws attention and compliments.
I've got an LSI/ HOWA .308 Varminter (same action as the Weatherby Vanguard) with a Boyd thumbhole stock and I had to relieve the barrel channel on one side, have it glass bedded and the trigger worked on to make it perform.
I don't quite understand your comments about the 788 bolt pull, but it's a matter of preference. Some people find the wobble of a Mauser bolt to be objectionable.
Todd
The bolt pull simply annoys me is all, can't stand the feel of it.
Like I said, they're not for me and I'll pass the next one I find on to ya...can't see the attraction to them, and certainly not for the price that folks seem to want for them.
Personal preference is all.....
The 788 bolt movement is controlled by the bolt stop acting as a pin in a groove in the bolt body. The 700's bolt is guided by the two locking lugs, plus a guide rib engaging one of the lugs. The 788's bolt movement isn't going to be as smooth as a 700's.
