Remington 788

[kfn]

I'm considering getting a Remington 788 in.222 but I'm unfamiliar with this rifle model so I'd like some feedback; what sort of reputation does it have? Thanks for any advise; KFN

 

[powdergun]

Just finished one.

I have that rifle. I've just finished restocking it and scoping it. Plain jane gun but the trigger is quite nice and the accuracy is very good. I'm expecting some .75 to .5 MOA at 100 yds with load development. These guns have a good rep. If you get a good deal buy it. ( Heavy stress on the good deal )

 

[Rembo]

they can be quite accurrate..I've had a couple, didn't shoot them much...a friend has one in 22-250....seems to work OK....the coyotes don't like it much... ..

don't let anyone tell you the 788 was discontinued because it was more accurrate than a 700...if that were the case Remington would have refined it a bit a jacked up the price...it was discontinued because it was not cost effective to run a separate production line for an "economy" or "entry level" rifle...so in '83 the 788 was replaced by the Sportsman 78, which is for all intents and purposes a Model 700 with very little polishing and a cheap stock and blind mag,..much cheaper to pull a 700 off the line at the appropriate stage and finish it into an "economy" rifle than run a whole other line for the 788.......

but like all other anamolies in the firearms world (the Rem 600/660's come to mind)they do have quite a cult following and you'll hear nothing but praise from the guys who own them and less from guys who "have" owned them...

http://www.char----m.net/~kmarsh/788.html

take out the ---- in "charm"

 

[ben hunchak]

Some people didn't like the rear locking bolt at first, as all the new guns at the time were front locking bolts, but this rifle turned out to be very accurate, was avail. in 222, 222mag., 22-250,.44 mag., 30-30, and some others, retailed for $84.00 new in the late 60s!!

 

[Arlo_Dog]

I have a 788 in 6mm and it is an absolute joy to shoot. Mines a lefty but the shells eject on the right side. Kind of wierd at first, but once I got used to it, I really liked it. The only thing I dislike about my 788 is the tiny single stack mag. I would prefer a hinged floorplate or at least a higher capacity mag.

 

[ratherbefishin]

I have a 308 and a 243-excellent little hunting rifles.The hardwood stock is pretty utilitarian, so you don't mind hauling it around the bush.It sees more time on my shoulder than my ruger #1 ,which I don't want to get dinged up

 

[slicknick]

My mom's husband has one. It has to be the ugliest, most beat-to-#### rifle I've ever seen. He's got an $80 scope on it and the swivels are heldon with duct tape. However it'll still group an inch at 100 yards, I figure that has to say something about the rifle

 

[scott_r]

I had a 788 in a .243 and would say it was one of my best shooting rigs with next to no work done on it.

I sold mine after reading the problems that occur if you shoot a hot load. I guess the bolt will seize up and bolt handle can snap. Im sure someone with abit more gunsmithing knowledge can elaborate.

Cheers!!

 

[dan belisle]

I have half a dozen of them, in 223, 22-250, 22-243 Middlestead, 6mm Rem, 6mm-284, and 7mm-08. They all shoot sub MOA. Heavy and ugly, true, but they shoot very well. - dan

 

[Hussar_ca]

i own a 788 in .222 . i enjoy it and love to shoot it. when i was shooting it all the time years ago. i was able to shoot dimes at 50 yards. Mine has had the stock replaced, but nothing else. For a economy rifle, i haven't shot anything else that shoots so nice. I'm no expert like some on here, but it's a great gun for the money.

 

[Scott_N]

I almost bought a 788 in 7mm-08 as my first hunting rifle in the early 80s but ended up with a 700 in 30-06 instead. I've always had a soft spot for the 788 though.... neat guns.

 

[Eagleye]

I Have a 788 in 222, and have owned several over the years in 222, 223, 6mm, 7-08, etc. Never had one that was not accurate. Triggers are OK for factory offerings, but are not adjustable, and need a 'smiths touch to get decent. I just slapped a Timney on mine and voila! This triple deuce will shoot under ½" with loads it likes, and will keep most loads in 1¼" or less. Solid receivers and excellent lock times plus a decent barrel interpret to good performance. I do like my 788. Regards, Eagleye.

 

[Duffy]

I have a 788 in .243 that is a real pleasure to shoot. I'd like to get one in .222 or 22/250.

Robin down under

 

[kfn]

Thanks so much guys, your advise and input has been invaluable and very much appreciated. KFN

 

[NAA]

I have just one Rem 788, a carbine [18.5" barrel] in 7mm-08. It will be one of the last rifles I will ever part with. Shoots like a house on fire! 'Nuff said...

 

[horshur]

I would not own one. I bought one years ago in 7mm08 and it did all you guys have said but....... The safety is borderline and not even close to being dependable(so whats the point) and the stacked mag sticks out just at the rifles balance point. Rattles and creaks enough to scare a deaf moose two valleys over. No bolt lock so it is prone to open in the thick stuff. And the wood will crack thru the wrist if it repeatedly gets wet(like using it huntin) also the trigger guard is held on by a wood screw into wood. It is a sub standard rifle that just happens to shoot good. If your just using it for shooting then it's fine but there are better hunting rifles for sure.

 

[prosper]

A gun is only as safe as the guy behind it. I wouldn't worry too much about that. They're ugly - true, and cheap - also true. It's like the Stevens 200 of the 60's - ugly, cheap, accurate and utilitarian.


Any of you folks out there find you have to FL your brass size more frequently than with other guns?

 

[dizzy dan 1]

I have had a few over the years & the one I really miss was a 7-08 Carbine.
But I just bought another but its a 6/223 or 6/45 DAN>>>

 

[prosper]

I really like the idea of a 6-223 or 6-222. It's on my 'to buy' list.