Sportsman 78?

[PartsMan]

What is a sportsman 78?

I saw a rifle in the gun shop yesterday that had a very heavy stainless 280 Akley Imp. barrel and a synthetic stock yesterday.
The action said sportsman 78 on it.
Is that a good action?

Seems like an odd caliber for a gun that heavy anyway. I just can't get it out of my head.

[sniperVLS]

My Uncle had one in the mid 80's, I think it was a .270,  he didn't have it for 2 long, he bought my Dads 7mm BDL so he had to sell the 78 to get some more $$.

I don't think they ever caught on, if they were around for a decade I'd be surprised. I'd have to do some googling to find out more.

Here's the short history of it at Remmys site, it was in production for only a few years, less than I expected.

http://www.remington.com/library/history/firearm_models/centerfire/model_78.asp

After checking some old posts at other forums, seems those who have or had one liked it. I also see it being called the poor mans 700 a few times 

[Siskiyou]

My Wildcatter brother has used a couple of Remington Model 78 actions as donors for custom rifles.  I think the guy can smell them when passing a gun shop out on the street.  Basically he replaced the barrel with one from a custom barrel maker, chambered for a wildcat cartridge, and restocked.  I believe one of his actions became a 8mm-300 Winchester magnum. 

[bcp]

It is  700 ADL metal with a hardwood stock and a different name .

Bruce

[PartsMan]

So it is a 700 action?
As far as parts and customizing anyway?

[sniperVLS]

As far as it being a 700 action, I'm getting conflicting reports about that. Can anyone point to a site that clears this matter up?

[kyelkhunter3006]

I've got an old issue of Peterson's Hunting that says that it's the same a 700, just not all dressed up finish wise.  My cousin's dad has one, everything looks the same as a 700 to me.

[Oldtimer]

I had a friend who owned a grade II Browning, and would go into the woods with it in a case, and not take it out until he had sat down.  His wife wanted to get him a rifle for Christmas, so I took her to a shop and she got a M-78 in .270.  He loved it, cause he no longer had to worry about scratching it or anything while he hunted.  I don't think the Browning ever came out of the safe after that.  Remington built several downmarket guns, the 788 being the other one that comes to mind.  While they did not have the nice wood or slick finish, they worked really well in the field.  I still wish I had my 788 in .22-250, but the guy I sold it to won't give it up.

[sniperVLS]

So it is a 700 action after all, interesting. Learn something new every day. Like I said, the little research I did, those who had or still have one love it.

[bcp]

I have several 78's and 700's.  There is NO difference other than the name stamp and the wood.  I think because of the number similarity some people have confused the 78 with the 788, which is very different than the 700.

Bruce

[Wolfman308]

I had one in .308 in the late eighties and also at that time but I did not need a .270 it came in a "Kit" if you will with a stock that needed finishing also.That option was not around very long but it was about $20-$30 less when you got it that way.It  a turned type of rough finish on the barrel with a final finish not that much different than the VTR of which I just got one in .308 Saturday last and only one in the store.Most places have a wait list or those that do have them are selling for a top price.It wil be a week or so before going to sight in  but wonder yet if those who do have one in .308 and fired them if it barks badly for other shooters next to you at the benches