The 788

[stanimals2]

The good bad and ugly, lets hear it

[huntswithdogs]

Well, the rifles themselves are ugly. Them ole hardwood stocks were just nasty looking and needed some checkering.

The good thing about them is that they shoot great! I've shot them in 222, 243(?) and 308. All have been shooters.

The bad happens if ya lose the clip. They're pretty expensive to replace, unless ya find someone that don't realize what they have.

HWD 

[old03]

My first deer rifle was a 788 in .243.  Still got it and its always been a great shooter.  I can generally get 3/4" groups at 100 yds with factory ammo.  But I have to admit that factory stock is pretty ugly.

[dave375hh]

I've had seven of them over the years, and still have three, .222, .22-250, .308 Win. all three will shoot under .5" all the time, no exceptions. I re-stocked the .22-250 & the .308 with a Flaig's and a Bishop. The .222 is an old one that came with a walnut stock(1st two years), and I re-contoured it and re-finished it. My local 'smith redid the triggers for me at 2#,2#, & 3.25#. They are super shooters and are very strong. Don't listen to the dummies who will tell you the rear locking lugs make them spring, THAT'S BS!!! Just look at the thickness of the walls of the action, & how the front of the bolt fits into it. Spring my A$$. Most people who dump on a 788 never owned one. I never regretted buying any of mine, just wish I had kept them all.

[james]

Have a .223 and .308 that are accurate.  I put a ramline stock  and Burris B-plex scope on the .308 and the groups opened up to about 1-1.5 inches. It did better in the ugly wood stock and a Weaver 2x7.   Someday I may put it back. The .223 will keep 5 shots well under an inch with a cheap 3x9 scope so I don't mess with it.

[Siskiyou]

Like most say my M788 in 243 is a good shooter, but the stock vanish is very reflective and bad.  In fact it has a run or two in the varnish.  As soon as it heats up some I am going to sand the varnish off the stock and paint it a camo brown or green. 

What has shaken me a little is the asking price for a M788 of late.  Are the high prices an anomaly, or what?  Will painting the stock reduce the value of the rifle?  Or should I even care if it reduces the value.

[beemanbeme]

I don't see how. Its been varnished once already.  I think they've become a cult item.

[poncaguy]

I had 2 when they first came out, sold them. Found  one in a pawn shop, 6mm Remington. Love it, not a looker, but a real shooter. Wish they would make them again!!

[tn_junk]

Had a 788 in .243. Sold it for some dumb reason having to do with getting married to wife #1.
Sure do miss that rifle.

alan