Model 788's

[tomzuki]

    I've just completed my quest for another Model 788.  This one, slightly used, only light stock dings that can be steamed out, and very little lost blue finish.  My daughter and I were out on a road trip and I decided to stop in at a shop that I haven't been to in awhile.  Well I was indeed looking for another bolt action, but an All-Weather model, S/S and synthetic stock.  The Salesman told me I would have to wait to talk to the Manager about availability so I regarded the used rack. 

I have found several in other places that I could not purchase recently, One on a used internet listing that sold before I had the chance to bid, and another recently at an out of state shop where I am not eligible to purchase. (California restricts any transfers to FFL holders only and the last quote was for two hundred dollars plus State fees, not a good thing on used firearms ) Well I was disappointed, but kept looking.  I have others in what are considered "Varmint" calibers, but I wanted one that I could hunt with.  This one in 18" .308 WIN looked pretty good, and I couldn't pass it up.

I think this one was used lightly by someone that shot factory loads as it shows little wear.  I will bring this one home soon and can't wait to see how she shoots!  Will Advise.

Do you have a 788?? And what do you use it for??

[George Foster]

I have had a 6mm since 1976 that I have re-barreled and restocked and I also have a 22-250 that I bought in 2003.  I have used both rifles for varmint hunting and I have killed a number of deer over the years with the 6mm.

[beemanbeme]

I have a couple.  One is a .222  that has been rebarreled with a Douglas barrel and the other has a Douglas barrel in .260Rem.  It started out as a .243 but IMO the only reason to buy a .243 is to rebarrel it into a .260 or 7-08.

[OLDHandgunner]

Have owned several and sold many of these since the late 60's. Think they sold for about $ 72 ( dealer cost ) back then. I still have the 22-250 & 222 from then. My buddy still owns the LH 308, 44 Mag & 30-30 I sold him back then.
These were one of the most accurate rifles that Remington made, because of the fast lock time. The actions weren't the smoothest but boy did they shoot.

[lester]

I have a .308 that I bought new in 1976.  Have redone the stock and it wears the original Tasco 4X that came with it.  Great shooter!  I've killed woodchucks, fox, coyote, deer, and this past fall, my first ever moose with this gun.  Best $179 I ever spent.

Lester

[mooman]

had a 788 i bought in 1969, shot many deer and groundhogs with it ( 308) ,gave it to my son ,and bought a 700 ,7mm. i missed the 788 so much i just picked up a " NEW" one in 308 . this is a carbine and i put a ramline stock on it . they still shoot great !!!!!

[gmg]

  I have a 788 in 30-30 I took it hunting before but have only shot targets with it.

[22shooter]

I have a 788 in .223.  It has an old Weaver K10 scope with AO.  I used it as a fourth rifle on a prairie dog shoot in Wyoming last year.  I put 100 rounds through it in 2 1/2 hours.  It was blowing up pds at 200 yards and beyond.  I had a over 70% kill ratio that afternoon.  Its an oldey but a goody and I plan to take it again this year along with my Ruger .223 HB, CZ .204 Ruger and Marlin 917VS.

[njanear]

I have a 788 .308 18.5in carbine that I hunt whitetails with.  'I' bought it new ~1981 (well, I did give dad the $219 to pay for it as I was only a teenager).  I wouldn't sell her for $500 - she is a great rifle on the power-lines and the small fields (and is even quick to shoulder in the brush).

PS:  I didn't know it at the time but later discovered that the M788's introduction year was 1967 - the same as mine.  We were made for each other   

[james]

I have a lot of confidence in my 788s because they are the most accurate rifles I have.   I still have the first one I bought in 1970 at Walmart for $79 plus tax.  It has taken numerous deer and coyotes, a couple of antelope and one bear.  I put a cheap Ramline scope on it and it is my backpacking rifle.  I often carry it rather than my Remington BDLs, Tikka, Kimber or Thompson Center rifles when the weather is bad.  My biggest gripe is the rattling clip but a wrap of electrical tape helps keep it quiet.  I bought a minty .223 788 and it happens to be the most accurate .223 I have shot.  It went in the safe and I use my 700 BDL .223 as my knock about varmint gun.  I did buy one used 788 in.223 that had a rough barrel and it would only get 1.5 " groups.  I sold it and bought the 700.

[jd45]

I would love to find one in good shape chambered in .44 Remington Magnum. jd45

[OLDHandgunner]

A buddy of mine still has the one in the 44 Mag. that I sold him 35+ years ago. I saw another one in 44 Mag at a local gun show this past winter. I believe it had the original factory box with it.

[Prebanpaul]

HERE IS MY STORY

18YRS OLD WENT INTO A GUN STORE AND STARTED HANGING OUT IN THERE.  MADE A FRIEND AND HE INTRODUCED ME TO MY FIRST 788 IN .223.    I MADE A LOAD WORK UP FOR IT.  28.5 GRNS H380 55 SIERRA GAME KING AND REMMY BRASS.  NO LIE SHOT 3/8 GROUP AND EVEN SHOT A FLY AT 100 YARDS. (HAD A WITNESS TO THIS 65YR OLD MAN NEXT DOOR).  FELL IN LOVE EVER SINCE.  GO TO GUN STORES AND SHOWS AND BUYS EVERY GOOD DEAL ON THEM I CAN.  HERE IS WERE THE STORY GETS GOOD.

10 YRS LATER, PRESENT TIME IN FEBRUARY. I OWN A LARGER GUN STORE NOW AND OCCASIONALLY GO INTO THE LOCAL PAWN SHOP TO SEE WHAT IS LAYING AROUND.  I HAPPEN TO ASK THEM IF THEY HAD A 788 LAYING AROUND.  THE SAID YEAH  WE GOT ONE GOING OUT TODAY.  WHEN HE TURNED THE CORNER AND I SAW THE MUZZLE I HAD TO PUT THE BIGGEST POKER FACE ON EVER. "DAMN THAT HOLE IS BIG" I SAID TO MY SELF.  "WHAT YOU WANT FOR THIS"   $450 WAS THE RESPONSE, I IMMEDIATELY SAID I WOULD TAKE HER HOME WITH ME.   WHAT I GOT WAS A 788 IN 44 REMINGTON MAG.  WOULD RATE HER 98%.  BECAUSE I AM IN THE BUSINESS TO MAKE MONEY AND USUALLY DONT COLLECT THINGS THIS GUN WAS SHIPPED TO THE PAPS' DOWN IN FLORIDA FOR SAFE KEEPING. STILL GRINNING WHEN I THINK ABOUT THAT DAY

[Inrut24/7]

I bought a 788 222 with a 6.5x20 vx3 scope from my uncle for 250.00, probally the best deal i will ever get, I didnt know anything about the model 788 when i bought it, i took it to the range expecting 1 1/2 - 2 inch groups but was shocked when i starting cutting holes with factory remington v-max loads. Its at my gunsmiths right now getting dropped into a boyds pepper laminated thumbhole stock, when i get it back and get a finish on it i'll post some pics.

[njanear]

I walked into a little Surplus Store the other day and was digging around in the misc. parts bin.  What did I discover?  A .308 M788 magazine in very good condition, for $18.  They weren't willing to go lower on it, but I figured having a 3rd magazine for my favorite carbine wouldn't be a bad deal.    Too bad I couldn't find the donor rifle in their rack....