WANT YOUR OPIONS FOR REM 788 MODIFICATIONS

[14jesus]

Alright guy's just bought a REM 788/243 WIN Carbine or at least I think it is, it's barrel quiet shorter that my 788 in 223 rem. I bought it to be a utility(to be handled rough or when i didn't want to carry something nice) gun for deer and yote hunting thinking i'd spray bomb camo it and go on. but after getting it home and really inspecting it it has had a really good trigger job done on it, bluing good, barrel checks to have been shot very little, and it shoots really good with store bought fodder i believe it to be a KEEPER. considering the stock really needs help. I'm considering doing this rifle a lot better justice than just a camo job now. just playing with the idea of a full length mannlichler style stock and converting to a box mag in leiu of the clip, or just sending it off for a store bought camo job.  But i don't want to make it a money pit either.What would you do? :wink:

[Don Fischer]

I've had several over the years. A 222 Rem, a 223 Rem and a 243 Win. I don't believe you've had a trigger job, mine had good trigger's from the factory. They were also great shooting!

I did take all the finish off the stocks then cut out the pistol grip's a bit. Added QD swivels and epoxy bedded with micro bed. Finished the stocks by filling with walnut filler stain. Oh yea, before the stain I wiskered the stock. Sanded smooth then steamed it several time's over a tea kettle rubbing out with 0000 steel wool each time. Then filler stain and finally several coats of Tru Oil. Inbetween coats, I rubbed them with 0000 steel wool and raw linseed oil. I though they looked nice and they shot great!

[beemanbeme]

Model 788's have become something of a cult item.  In your case, if you're not gonna rebarrel it to a .260 or 7-08, I'd just do the camo thing and use it as a "beater" like you intended.

[14jesus]

HELLO MR Beemanbeme, Maybe I live a sheltered life, really not wanting to sound ignorant but what does that mean about the cult thing. I really don't know and the only way I know to learn is to ask even if it does sound stupid to some. That's really got my curiosity up, sorry!  :?

[beemanbeme]

To begin with, the 788 was Remington's low end, el cheapo rifle.  Ugly as home-made soap.  I think they began selling a well under $100.  I know I paid less than $100 for my first one.  However, they would shoot like a house afire.  Right out of the box. Also they were the basis for a number of prize winning bench rifles.  Rumor has it that they were cutting into the sales of Remington's Flagship 700s and were outshooting them.  

Bases on that, most 788 owners have hung onto them and the price has climbed accordingly.  I've seen plain jane 788s that were listed at over $400.  I know the ones I have will shoot and I ain't selling.  The comment about the rebarrel was kinda tongue in cheek as I have very little regard for the .243 and do have a 788 that I rebarreled to a .260.  And I do have a 700adl that I had rebarreled to a 7-08.  

Back in Okla, I had a 788 in .223 that I used for a truck gun with a 4x Weaver on it.  It would shoot sub MOA groups all day long.  Fool that I was, I let it get away from me.

[Slamfire]

With the rear lockup the 788 was designed with a larger than normal receiver having minimal cuts for the clip feed in and cases out. Cutting the lower slot larger to change to a blind magazine with two staggered round capability sounds very expensive to me.
There was a trigger company that made replacements for a short period of time, maybe that's what your rifle has, although I doubt it. The triggers were withdrawn before the short barreled 788's hit the market. The original triggers were made of scintered metal, and once honed, wore out quickly as below the surface scintered metal is very soft. Scintered metal is one of Remington's largest sideline businesses, in case you wonder why use that stuff.