Anyone know where I can source a replacement bolt for Rem 788

[Whalen7840]

I've got a Remington 788 that I rescued from it's previous owner. There was corrosion and rust EVERYWHERE. I've gotten the rust out and oiled the hell out of everything (took me 3 hours of soaking and working the trigger free) but theres some areas on the bolt where the material is missing, like pitting marks from the rust.

These guns are impossible to find replacement parts for, I'm just hoping somebody knows of one somewhere. It's chambered for 7mm-08

 

[R.W.Dale]

Part it out on gunbroker and chock this one up to experiance. If a gun is so rusted as to be missing locking lugh it is in no condition to be fired

 

[Whalen7840]

It's not that extreme, I actually took the risk, wore protection and fired it and it performs flawlessly. I'll have to try and take some decent pictures of the pitting and post them up tonight. The lugs are all intact. I've also contemplated trying to coat it or repair the metal in some way, but I know nothing about gunsmithing (It'd be something I send to the professionals.)

 

[jpwilly]

I'd like to see the pictures. Krochus is right IMO a rifle with rust especially the bolt, bolt face, locking lugs etc after removal of said rust may be way out of spec and unsafe to fire. Just because you got away with it so far doesn't mean it will last.

 

[Onmilo]

.243/7mm/08/.308 all use the same bolt assembly as the case head and headspace is the same for all the rounds.

Try Jack First for a replacement bolt.

 

[Whalen7840]

 

[Kentucky_Rifleman]

Good Grief! Was this stored IN a tub of saltwater?

Maybe buff the bolt out as best as possible? I'm not at all sure I'd shoot that thing.

KR

 

[Whalen7840]

nothing is wrong with the firing pin/face area, or the lugs. It's simply the middle of the bolt and a little on the edge

 

[Whalen7840]

I think the previous owner stored it in davey jones locker. I'm wondering if anything can be done to the surface of the problem areas to add material?

 

[outerlimit]

Those poor old 788's. Great accurate rifles in a lot of oddball (nowadays) calibers. My uncle has one in .222 and he had a bitch of a time finding a new extractor when shells wouldn't eject anymore. I think he eventually bought a whole replacement bolt because he couldn't find the part.

 

[Abel]

I wouldn't do anything else to it. It looks fine to shoot. I'd hunt it if it were mine, as is.

 

[Jim Watson]

Ugly but usable if you cleaned the shroud, striker, spring, and interior of the bolt.
One of the few replacement bolts or one off a scrapped gun would cost more than the whole rig is worth.

 

[jpwilly]

Rough but it looks usable. Maybe some bondo and a paint job!

 

[Whalen7840]

My plans for this rifle exactly. I wont mind if it gets a little dirty. I plan on refinishing the stock and thats about it. Thanks for the advice guys !!

Can't beat it for a 75 dollar rifle