Remington 788 in .270

[dsly]

Have been looking at a Rem 788 in .270 for whitetails (100-175 yds). Been reading that there are bolt problems, and problems getting extra mags. Anyone got experience with this?
Would appreciate any advice.

 

[Pickles]

Cool, never seen a 788 in 270.

 

[scott_r]

I dont think the 788 was made in long action cartridges.

Cheers!!

 

[H4831]

I don't think so, either.

 

[DOUGLAS D]

Look for a 7mm-08 in the 788. They come up now and then on EE.
The 788 in .270 doesnt exist.

 

[sunray]

"...788 in .270 doesnt exist..." Must be another Remington model. A 700 perhaps?

 

[DOUGLAS D]

"...788 in .270 doesnt exist..." Must be another Remington model. A 700 perhaps?

Could well be.
Like a 700 or a 721 or a 725 or a 742 or a 760 or 7600....Oh well you get the picture.

 

[dsly]

Yep, thanks.

See, now that's the reason it's good to ask questions!!
It is a model 770, not a 788.
Thanks all!

 

[dsly]

Second question...

Okay, now that I'm thoroughly embarrassed, and have done some reading on the 770, the general opinion seems to be that it is pretty much junk, and I could do better for the money. Thoughts?

 

[DOUGLAS D]

Okay, now that I'm thoroughly embarrassed, and have done some reading on the 770, the general opinion seems to be that it is pretty much junk, and I could do better for the money. Thoughts?

Dont be embarrassed Pard as it's pretty easy to jumble up model numbers considering that Remington,Winchester and Ruger all have a love affair with the number 7.
You're right about the bad reputation of the 770.
For the same price you can pick up a good used M-700 in 270 or like I said find a used 788 in 7mm-08.
The discontinued 788 is a better rifle than the 770 and still gives you a drop magazine and close to 270 performance in a short action.

 

[8mmpeter]

Oh! 770, every one is going to tell you they are no good. All kinds of people who have never owned one let alone fired one will tell you they are crap. Members with no or very little experience with 770s will tell you to stay away. Yes, the savage or the mossberg are priced very closely to the rem. and offer different features. Are they better, some may say. I have a .308 770 and can say that the bolt handle has not broken off as everyone who has never owned one will tell you will happen. It is more accurate than I am. Offers good features for the price and has not given me any problems during my trips to the range. The scope and rings could be better, the barrel is pressed in ( how many people would actually shoot a 770 enough to burn out a barrel anyway) some people like the look some don't. I love mine. If it's what you can afford, go for it. There are some people on this forum that think if you pay less than 1000 bucks for a rifle, you are some how an inferior person. Well screw them! I went through the same thing awhile ago and if it was'nt for a couple of guys here that don't have superiorty complexes, I probably would have gotten rid of what turned out so far to be a great rifle before even giving it a chance. Best of luck!

 

[keith mokry]

I believe remington made a model called the sportsman 78 in the 270/3006 size. 788 model has been short action from what I can remember

 

[Ormachek]

If you were looking at the 770, take a look at the savage pack combos You get a very good(upgradeable), accurate rifle with a detachable mag and a serviceable scope(you'd still want to upgrade it in the future, but good enough for a year or two). Available in .270. Very reliable, well proven platform.

 

[8mmpeter]

I will agree with the fact that you could probably pick up a "better" used rifle for the same money. You get what you pay for and the 770 is a budget rifle. If you want a smooth action and nice wood on the practice range, look elsewhere. If you want an inexpensive hunting rifle you don't need to worry about getting dirty or scratched, the 770 might be for you

 

[mbogo3]

That would be a model 78 [long action]...........Harold

 

[DOUGLAS D]

There's a couple of things to consider when choosing which gun to buy for a certain dollar value today.
All things being equal the value of a used 700 or 788 purchased today will likely increase over the next 5-10 years.
My .222 Model 788 that I bought back in the early 1980's sells today for more than twice as much as I paid back then.
Same can be said for all of my Model 700's.

Deserved or not the 710 and 770 Remingtons are still a hard sell in the used market if you ever want to sell.
Not trying to kick anyone's dog but thats the way I see it.

 

[warrenb]

I will agree with the fact that you could probably pick up a "better" used rifle for the same money. You get what you pay for and the 770 is a budget rifle. If you want a smooth action and nice wood on the practice range, look elsewhere. If you want an inexpensive hunting rifle you don't need to worry about getting dirty or scratched, the 770 might be for you

Peter, its OK for you to like your gun. If it works it works. I shoot a $360 stevens 200. They don't have to cost $1000 to shoot reasonably well.

However even if I owned the most accurate 770 in the world I would not be recommending them to others just based on the experience of the majority. I hope that don't hurt your feelings.

 

[traderal]

I have had 3 model 788's. Yes they are accurate, but the bolt does not slide very smoothly, and the small ejection port makes it difficult to manually extract bullets. A Steven's or Savage package or even a Weatherby Vanguard at $500 is a better way to go.

 

[Pathfinder]

I have had 3 model 788's. Yes they are accurate, but the bolt does not slide very smoothly, A Steven's or Savage package or even a Weatherby Vanguard at $500 is a better way to go.

The same can be said for the 770.....very gritty/rough action.

 

[8mmpeter]

I have to admit, I recieved my 770 in a trade. If I were actually spending money... maybe a used savage99 in .308, rem. 700, even milsurp .303, 6.5x55 sporters are cheaper and nicer than the 770