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Author Topic: Remington M-788 in .222 Rem  (Read 2075 times)

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Offline BlackHat

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Remington M-788 in .222 Rem
« on: February 11, 2003, 02:21:31 PM »
Any general opinions on the M-788? I was in the local gun shop today and found one in pretty nice condition. I've read there are some possible issues with the bolt handle and the action loosening up with too many high pressure loads. But, the 222 Rem should not cause those kinds of problems. I'm hoping this was not a bad purchase.
Someone had previously floated the barrel, and there was a clean, old model Weaver 6x fixed scope on it. All together the $350 price seemed reasonable.
I've been looking for a .222 Rem for a while. I just can't warm up to the .223 for some reason. I know there's not much difference in the numbers, but the "triple deuce" is a cartridge I kind of fell in love with in my younger days, and just had the itch to get to know it again.
Thanks for your thoughts,
BlackHat
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Offline Advocate

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Remington M-788 in .222 Rem
« Reply #1 on: February 11, 2003, 05:21:00 PM »
According to what I've read, the .222 size are the best of the 788's and are the least vulnerable to set back, etc. that have been experienced in the others.  Probably a good choice.  I have used one in .308 without any problems, but shot it very little.
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Offline I am CAL.........

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788
« Reply #2 on: February 12, 2003, 02:33:56 PM »
:D A 788 is my choice to shoot.I have several at this point in time.I have never had any trouble of any kind with mine.They all shoot less than an inch at 100 yds too. I wish I could find another or two. I have never seen one what would not shoot if the shooter would do his part!Bed the action and float the barrel and I feel sure you will have a shooter. $350.00 is not a bad price if the gun is real clean either.Good luck with your purchase and I would like to know how yours shoots.I am CAL...
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Offline Selmer

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Remington M-788 in .222 Rem
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2003, 03:39:24 AM »
I am Cal pretty much said it, they shoot, period.  I have two .243 and .308 and run max pressures in both of these guns, have for quite a few years and have never had a problem.  The only thing i didn't like was the .308 had a bolt lock when the gun was on safe, I took it apart, compared it to the .243 which didn't and cut it off with a Dremel tool, works great.  Both of these guns shoot well below an inch at 100 if I do my part, my best is .221 with 68 gr. Berger match bullets out of the .243, I thought the bullets were going everywhere and missing the box till I walked down range, the group was a hair bigger than my .30 caliber holes!
Selmer
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Offline Five O in ND

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Love these 788 threads...
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2003, 05:53:45 PM »
I've had a 788 in .22-250 for a few years now and love it.  I don't reload YET but the cheapo Winchester Value Pack ammo shoots about 1MOA @ 100 yds.  I have a Remington 700 VS SF on order but I don't think I can get rid of the 788.  It ain't pretty, it's really stiff, but it shoots.  I  also got mine for $350 but the thing was in PERFECT condition so I can't bring myself to get rid of it.  The ONLY reason I went with the Rem 700 VS  SF is because I plan to get into prairie dog hunting and want the fluted/heavy barrel.  Plus, in ND, there aren't too many trees and every coyote I've shot I've been able to watch from at least a 1/4 mile.  Don't mind the heavy barrel as long/wide open shooting is commonplace here in ND.  Good luck with your's......
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Offline BlackHat

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Thanks for the Info
« Reply #5 on: February 14, 2003, 01:56:36 AM »
You have confirmed what I've always heard about the M-788. There aren't pretty, but they seem to shot. But, I think I may have a little problem with this one. I took it all apart for cleaning and checking and noticed that stock appears to have been re-drilled to accomodate a new position for the front bolt holding the receiver in the stock. The old hole was filled in with what looks like epoxy, and a new hole drilled closer to the opening for the clip. Unfortunately, there was not enough wood left between the hole and the clip opening in the stock, and the stock has cracked there. It almost looks like someone found a stock from a long receiver M-788 and tried to use it on the shorter .222 Rem receiver.
I'm going to try to repair and strenthen the stock, and then see if it affects the accuracy.
I guess worst case, I'll end up re-stocking the gun. I've been looking at the "Richard's Microfit Gunstocks, Inc" web site and thinking about taking on a stock project anyway. Maybe this is the excuse I need to dive in.
I'll let you know what happens.
Thanks again,
Blackhat
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Offline John Traveler

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Richards Microfit Stocks
« Reply #6 on: February 14, 2003, 07:45:40 AM »
Hi, Blackhat!

That Richards Microfit Gunstocks place is in Sun Valley, California.  I've visited their facility, and usually found a very good selection of every model that they support.  Wide variety of wood grades, of course.

That Remington M788 stock should be pretty easy to inlet and fit because the barrel and receiver channels are cylindrical.

The last time I visited, I picked up a BEAUTIFUL fancy walnut  M98 mauser stock for $40 because it had a pea-sized cavity in the burled part.  Repair effected with Accuralas and it looks great!

Good luck on your re-stocking project.  Post some pictures on how it turned out!
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John Traveler

Offline I am CAL.........

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stock
« Reply #7 on: February 14, 2003, 01:10:52 PM »
Blackhat,I was looking in a Midsouth catalogue and noticed that they carry a composite stock for the 788.Thought I would tellyou.Hope this is some help! I am CAL.....
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Offline BlackHat

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Thanks Guys,...
« Reply #8 on: February 16, 2003, 11:04:29 AM »
I took the M788 apart again and measured everything all up, and I'm pretty sure someone swapped in a long receiver stock on this rifle. So, I'm either going to have to glass bed it, or replace the stock. It would probably shoot, but I'm thinking it would not be quite right. John, I'm looking hard at those Richard's Microfit stocks. They seem like a pretty good deal. I'm just not much into composite stocks. I have one on a Savage, and it shoots good and laughs at weather, but it just don't feel right or look right.
I'll let you'all know how things turn out. I'd like to shoot it some before tearing it apart. But, the weather has not been cooperating here in PA. Up to about 7 inches of snow today so far, and still falling at about half inch per hour with no let up in sight.
Sure is pretty though.
Blackhat
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Offline Pecos

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Remington M-788 in .222 Rem
« Reply #9 on: February 17, 2003, 10:17:43 AM »
In 1955 or 56, I bought my first centerfire rifle, it was a 788 in 222, which I still have.  It looks bad, as its been riding around on the ranch in a truck all these years, it still shoots quite well and still has the Weaver 4X scope on it.

Pecos
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Offline Advocate

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Remington M-788 in .222 Rem
« Reply #10 on: February 17, 2003, 11:23:48 AM »
Pecos: Are you sure the 788 was even being manufactured in 1955-56?
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