Remington 788 - What do you have?

[Mogulrider]

Just added a 788 30-30 to my collection.

 

[Mogulrider]

Speaking of .44s, many years ago I saw one in left hand. I suspect that would be pretty rare.
I've been working on a couple. Acquired a nice .308 estate rifle from which the bolt had been lost. Installed a bolt that I had repaired (detached handle). The other is a real bitser. Bought a barreled receiver in .22-.250, because I had a bolt and the rest of the parts including a magazine. In both cases, headspace is OK - can feel the NO GO.
Left over, I have a .22-.250 receiver and a repaired bolt. Handle had been broken off. I installed a handle for a 110 Savage. Instead of the handle being stuck in a hole on the side, the collar wraps around the rear of the bolt body. Someone mentioned a .45ACP. The slot on the bottom of the receiver clears a 1911 magazine. This would be a good action for such a project. I have a .45ACP reamer - should keep my eyes open for a barrel.
I've reinstalled handles on about 20 788 bolts. These things cannot be abused.
They are also not a good choice for hot loads. Not a matter of strength, but rather bolt compression and case stretching. Hot load = hard extraction = case stretching. If there is hard extraction, do not muscle the bolt handle...
I think there are at least 3 788 receivers. Short and long. Short in two versions for .222/.223 and .22-.250. Different width magazine openings. Long for .243 through .308. Don't know about .30-30 and .44 receivers. Did they use their own unique ones?
I think it is about time for someone to do a run of 788 magazines. Darn things aren't common and are expensive when found.

Ultra Short is what the 44 mag was called.
The 30-30 fits into the 222, 223 stock I believe. I just added a 30-30 to the collection.
Boyds has the breakdown in their configurator.

 

[remington jim]

I’ve owned a TRUCK load of Remmys over the years and NEVER owned or even Shot a M788

WELL ! Things Change I now own a Rem M788 222 24 “ barrel . Bluing is pretty good - Stock needs refinishing but is Easy Peasy on this model with no checkering . I’m gonna get the barrel shortened to 18.5 “ Soon . The stock will get refinished in about March .The sights have being removed which I would have done anyhow I’m looking to purchase a spare mag for it too if you know off one for a REASONABLE price . Any one good at dating a M788 ser# 6173152 X X on the barrel ! Thxs RJ

 

[dan belisle]

Sorry Jim. Only 788 mags I have left are for the 308 family of cartridges. Start haunting the gunshows, ebay, etc. - dan

 

[Peecos]

I wouldn’t chop your barrel down to 18.5”. Unless there’s some issue at the muzzle. If it’s a 14 twist you’ll have trouble with stability and chase your tail. The easiest to tune in my experience is 24-26”

 

[remington jim]

Sorry Jim. Only 788 mags I have left are for the 308 family of cartridges. Start haunting the gunshows, ebay, etc. - dan

Thanks Anyhow Dan My Buddy Crane Pete picked up a New mag for Me today along with a pair of new weaver bases .
Also from my EE want AD gunrunner100 on here contacted me and he has some too to sell

 

[remington jim]

I wouldn’t chop your barrel down to 18.5”. Unless there’s some issue at the muzzle. If it’s a 14 twist you’ll have trouble with stability and chase your tail. The easiest to tune in my experience is 24-26”

Peecos - I’ve owned 2 M600 Rems and they were both 18.5 “ 14 twist barrels and both shot Very Well with 40-55 gr bullets .

 

[CranePete]

Happy to help

 

[Peecos]

Well Jim, you’ve been luckier than me. Only 788’s I’ve owned were in 22-250. A good friend had a 7mm-08 Carbine, I’d buy one if I ever see one.