Remmington 788 - 308

[CoachCraig]

I must have a rifle angel following me around, I just recently acquired a 788 308 cal. for free from my mother-in-law. She acquired the gun when she evicted a renter. The Sheriff spotted the gun and gave it to her. This event unfolded about 15 years ago and it has been in a closet every since.t The gun shows extremely low wearing on the bolt and breach, as well as ejector. It appears to have been fired less than 50 rounds. I know very little about this model and cal. I have cruised a few forums and it appears that this is a decent little rifle. Does any on know how to determine the year of manufacture? I am missing the mag, I know that they are still available, however the prices are from $39 to $90 (big range). Can anyone offer insights as to what to avoid or better yet, who to buy from? If you have first hand experiences with this rifle I would love to hear from you, especially if you have recommendations for a bullet grain that would best suit high mountain hunting in the Pacific northwest cascade mountain range that can vary from brushy to open timber?. I have several other 308 calibers also 300 wtby and 30.06, would you hunt deer or elk with the 788? I had neck surgery two years ago and am now sporting plates, screws and bone graphs. my big gun gets my attention when I pull the trigger. How tame is the 788?

 

[LeonCarr]

It is worth paying 39 bucks or whatever for a magazine for that rifle. Everyone I know that has a 788, regardless of caliber, will talk your ear off about how accurate it is. One of the many conspiracy theories in the firearms world is that Remington discontinued the 788 because it was cheaper and more accurate than their flagship rifle the Remington 700. Magazines show up on gunbroker from time to time and also Gun Parts (I think it is egunparts.com) has them also. Just make sure you get the specific one for your caliber since some of the magazines (for example 6mm) are specific for that cartridge.

I have a buddy with a 788 in 6mm Remington and another buddy with one in .22-250. Both of them are box stock and both of them shoot five shot one hole groups at 100
yards.

Shoot 150 grain bullets for Deer and a controlled expansion type (Nosler Partition/Barnes TSX) 165 or 180 for Elk.

.308s are pretty easy on the shoulder.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[bigedp51]

I owned two 788, and I didn't keep either one very long and traded them off. My Remington .22 581 is the baby version of the 788. The 788 design was not as strong as the 700 and it had bolt thrust issues along with a weak safety that could slip. I wanted a matching pair of rifles with the .22 581 but the 788 were made a little rough. They were known for their accuracy in the smaller calibers but the rear locking lugs and bolt thrust issues were a problem with the .243 and up and production was ended. (bolt lug setback problems) If you find a clip and decide to use it for hunting make sure the chamber is clean and free of grease, oil or cleaning solvents and make sure the safety has positive click in the safe position.

NOTE: I liked my 788 and they made a good knock around truck gun, it was just that they didn't have the same "breeding" as a Rem 700 and not suited for reloading warmer loads. I stopped hunting due to a ruptured disk and I feel your pain. You will need a 180 grain bullet or larger for elk and Newtons 3rd law will have its effects.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remington_788

Your part is on page 4, number 27, click on the link.

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Products.aspx?catid=4346

 

[hardluk1]

I have owned a 308 788 since around 1975. Been a great shooter and seem to shoot everthing i have tried very well. Allway been a 1"moa rifle with 125gr to 165. Some people complain about small things and for me it is mag rattle. When I hunt with it I shave off a sliver of wood to wedge between the mag and bottom metal. Triggers are easy to light'n or replace for a better pull if needed. Watch around old gun shops ,I picked up an extra mag a month back for 18 bucks. Old price sticker. They may not be a model 700 but it will more than likely out shoot them.
I did some years back Cut an 1" off the stock and added a simm recoil pad for my girls to use. And sanded down the stock and put about 8 coats of oil on it and wax. Looks way better than new. Use one of Barnes famous X bullets for a once in a life time hunt. Nothing better. Get your self several mags too.

 

[Red Cent]

The action is famous for its fast locktime.

I, too, have a stunted 788 in the form of a 581 22lr. Very accurate.

Never had one but some guys that hunted whistle pigs with me had one or two. Never had a problem with the bolt. The guys stayed midrange in their loading habits. Maybe thats why.

Better not offer it for sale. That rough looking ol' rifle will be gone in no time.

 

[skipbo32]

i have a 788 in 22-250 with a bushnell 4200 elite scope and "kill light" on it. i got mine for $400 w/o the scope. you scored big time. these guns have a very big cult following. google the make and serial number and you might find your answer. mine was made in 1974.

 

[skipbo32]

o...and ps......lets see some pics dang it!!!!!!