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.
