Author Topic: Rem 788 in 7mm-08 ... need some opinions (Read 3017 times)

bigjeepman · « **on:** March 11, 2008, 04:18:19 PM »

I have an opportunity to get a very nice 788 in 7mm-08. I am asking for opinions on the rifle/caliber as I am looking for a nice older rifle for antelope/mule deer. I know some say the 788 is a very accurate model.

bjm

1marty · « **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2008, 04:44:17 PM »

I had one many years ago in a 308. The rifle was a poor mans 700. Mine had very good accuracy. They were made with detachable magazines so you may wish to check if they are still available for purchase if the one you are buying may need replacing or you wish an extra one. They may be interchangeable with the 700. Check out the barrel since I believe the rifle was discontinued in the early 80's.
I have a 700 SPS in a 7-08 and it's a great caliber-easy kicking and extremely accurate and good knock down. you won't be disappointed in a 7-08 .

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2008, 05:31:46 PM »

I know nothing of the 788 but as far as the 7MM-08 goes it shoots flater than the 308 and is a great round with all the bullet choices. Dale

weasel · « **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2008, 06:05:45 PM »

You might pick it up for the collector value alone, 788s have kind of a cult following, nice clean units in the oddball cals are at a premium. Don't think 7mm08 is one of the sought after cals, might just be a nice shooter that will hold its value.

huntswithdogs · « **Reply #4 on:** March 13, 2008, 04:46:47 AM »

I don't think I've seen a 788 that wasn't accurate! Most were pretty plain, hardwood stocks and little if any checkering. I've seen them a lot of different calibers but 7-08 is a new one to me. They do have detachaable mags and the replacement ones are expense,if ya can find them. The 700 doesn't use a mag, so Marty's suggestion isn't gonna work.

HWD

james · « **Reply #5 on:** March 13, 2008, 05:59:01 AM »

I like the 788s but prefer the ones with 22 or 24 inch barrels. The 18 inch barrels have a lot more muzzle blast. I passed on the last 788 in 7mm08 I ran across because it had the short barrel. I was shooting once with a guy that had an 18 incher in .243 and it would roll leaves and dust in front of him when he shot sitting down. My 22 inch .308 was less noisy and I didn't see any leaves flying up. I would grab that 7mm08 if it has the 22 inch barrel.

bomtek44 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 13, 2008, 03:07:16 PM »

Bigjeepman,

Any man who desires a rifle that shoots amazingly well, will never go wrong by having a pristine Remington 788 in his safe. In the summer of 1980, I paid a whopping $167.00 for a 788, chambered in 6mm Remington, with a 22 inch barrel. This little rifle has never ceased to amaze me. My first group fired (Rem. 80 grain Powerlokt HP's) was less than .5 inch. It has performed well with Hornady 100 grain Interlocks, giving my wife her first deer, and accounting for several for me. My 788 has spent a lot of time in the safe, as I have a special Ruger 77 in .270 that was passed on to me, that goes afield during deer season. (I made a promise to a dear friend).

Just today, I got the 788 out and tried some handloads with 85 grain Sierra Gamekings. A few shots, some minute scope adjustment and a three shot group of one big hole, measuring about .15", CTC.

I too, would highly recommend a 22 inch barrel. The 7mm-08 was a chambering that came in later years, before she was discontinued in the mid to late 80's. The .223 and .22-250 had 24 inch barrels. The .243, 6mm, and .308 were in 22 inch. I may be wrong, but I believe the year the 7mm-08 was introduced, the non-.22 caliber barrels were shortened to 18.5 inches.

The stocks are plain, uncheckered hardwood. The actions have 9 rear locking lugs. The magazines hold 3 rounds and are prohibitively expensive and hard to find, especially in odd calibers, such as my 6mm. The actions are exceptionally rigid, but may create headspace problems after extended firing of heavy loads, due to bolt compression with the rear locking lugs.

Here is my rifle, with 4-16X40 Redfield on top.

Target 1, shot 1 from cold bore....slight left adjustment and 4 shot group of .49 inch on target 2.......slight adjustment and shot 6 on target 2....move back to target 1 and shot 7. Move to target 3 and a three shot group into .15 inch (actually shot 6 and 7 would have been in this group with a five shot group of about .25 inch or less.

I AM VERY HAPPY, and this rifle will never sell for any price!!

Thanks, and if she is a cherry, BUY THAT RIFLE!!

Thanks,

bomtek44

1marty · « **Reply #7 on:** March 13, 2008, 03:39:03 PM »

huntswithdogs, the 700 models douse DM's. This is from the remington sight:
The Model 700 SPS DM features an improved, ergonomically designed synthetic stock for better handling and enhanced overall functionality. The carbon steel barrel comes clean without sights and the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. All exterior metalwork features a matte blued finish. Standard amenities also include the revolutionary recoil-reducing R3® recoil pad, a stainless steel detachable magazine box, and swivel studs.

bigjeepman · « **Reply #8 on:** March 13, 2008, 04:39:59 PM »

Guys ...

I really appreciate all of this information on the 788. I am very impressed with the talk about this "plain" old shooter. I just want something accurate from the past ... with a solid action ... and a wood stock. I might also have a choice for a 788 in .308 too. If the barrel on the 7mm-08 is only 18.5", I will go with the .308 as I have never liked shorter barreled rifles.

Again, I appreciate all of the info and good shooting to all.

bjm

Swampman · « **Reply #9 on:** March 13, 2008, 04:46:19 PM »

I love the 788. I don't like the 7mm-08 at all. The .308 Winchester makes my top 10. That's not easy to do.

beemanbeme · « **Reply #10 on:** March 14, 2008, 04:09:12 AM »

BJM, if you don't want the 788 in 7-08, whats the fellow want for it, and where's it at? If you opt for it, I THINK with little or no work, a clip from a .308 or a .243 will work for the 7-08 if you think that's a problem. They're the same cartridge except for the neck.
I rebarreled a 788 .243 into a .260 and the clip for the .243 worked fine with no adjustment.

njanear · « **Reply #11 on:** March 15, 2008, 09:06:08 AM »

I can remember when the 7mm-08 came out and Remington was going to produce it in the 788 (1980) - based on what the magazine articles of the day preached, I was absolutely set that I was going to have to get one of those as my first new deer rifle! Well I waited a while... and waited a while... but Island Outfitters (Beaufort, SC) just couldn't get a 788 in 7mm-08. One day in 1981, I walked in and they had a new 788 in .308 (18.5in barrel) with Tasco scope for $219. Well, being the impulsive almost-14 year old that I was

, I had Dad put it on layaway for me right then and there, and I paid for it through the money I had saved, birthday money and then other money that I earned - talk about a long 3 months.

I never did see one in 7mm-08 and thus decided that me and the .308 were destined to be together.

Anyways, I still have that short .308 and wouldn't trade her for anything. She has accounted for 3 of my 5 deer (I don't get to hunt often, and then I'm also the only one that eats venison in the house, so one deer goes a LONG way

), and 27 years later, still finds herself going out at least one trip a year, whenever I need a scoped rifle for stalking or watching small fields.

bigjeepman · « **Reply #12 on:** March 15, 2008, 05:57:24 PM »

I just received word from the dealer/seller ... he has a 788 in a .308 that he is forwarding pictures to me in a day or two. He was not able to acquire the 7mm-08 that he thought he was going to be able to. The .308 has a standard length barrel, he rated the bluing at 98% and the wood at around 95% if I remember right. A scope base and rings are included He is going to hold it for me until I see the pictures and give him a yes or no. He lives only 30 miles from me so I will check it out by Tuesday at the latest.

I will post pictures here if you guys want me too as I now know some of you really like the 788. I already have the dies and brass for the .308 but not sure what bullets I will try first. I reloaded for my brother's Savage LE .308 and we got some really impressive groups with 165 and 168 gr bullets using Varget. As I said, the main use for this rifle will be antelope and mule deer here in Utah.

Thanks again everyone for your input.

bjm

Swampman · « **Reply #13 on:** March 15, 2008, 11:28:13 PM »

Varget is a great powder. I like the 150 grain bullets in the .308. I'd try some Remington Core-Lokts. You can't hardly beat them.

dave375hh · « **Reply #14 on:** March 16, 2008, 11:34:07 PM »

The magazines for a 788 in 243, 7-08, & .308 are all interchangeable because they use the case shoulder to locate the rounds. That way they could use the same magazines and just stamp them differently for the shoulder length. I've had 7 788's over the years and still have three of them. In .308 my best load is 50.0 grs H-414 and a 165gr Nosler BT, or a 165gr Sierra BTSP. Both shoot .5" three shot groups for the first 4 groups then it wants cleaned, if not cleaned the groups open up to .75 to 1.0". Still good for a gun I bought used for $160.00. I recomend glass bedding the action on them.

huntswithdogs · « **Reply #15 on:** March 17, 2008, 07:01:36 AM »

Marty,
I rckon I should have clarified my answer to your statement. Yes, the 700 is offered in a style that has a "mag". What I should have said " the Mag for a 788 doesn't work in anything other than a 788" The 700 mag is not interchangeable with the 788.

Jeep,
My 308 likes just about anything I shove in it. If ya reload, play with some of the 110gr HPs. These things'll turn a groundhog inside out!

HWD

bigjeepman · « **Reply #16 on:** March 17, 2008, 04:27:42 PM »

Here is the picture of the .308 I will pick up tomorrow afternoon. I appreciate all of the input and hope to post a range report soon.

bjm

bigjeepman · « **Reply #17 on:** March 19, 2008, 06:09:00 PM »

Okay guys ... need more help here ...

I bought a Bushnell 3200 Elite 3-9x40 scope for my 788. It came with Weaver 2 pc bases and some Weaver rings. I would like to go with a single piece base but cannot find any info as to which ones will work on the 788. Can any one help? What kind of setup do you have on your 788?

bjm

beemanbeme · « **Reply #18 on:** March 20, 2008, 04:04:14 AM »

Don't know that you're gonna find a one piece base. The 788 action came in three sizes, short, long, and extra long. I think with your .308/7-08 you have the extra long action. You might try Widners and a couple of places like that but I would imagine, if they make them, you're gonna pay a pretty penny for it.

bigjeepman · « **Reply #19 on:** March 20, 2008, 11:07:19 AM »

Quote from: beemanbeme on March 20, 2008, 04:04:14 AM

Don't know that you're gonna find a one piece base. The 788 action came in three sizes, short, long, and extra long. I think with your .308/7-08 you have the extra long action. You might try Widners and a couple of places like that but I would imagine, if they make them, you're gonna pay a pretty penny for it.

I didn't realize that ... thank you for that information. It has Weaver bases on it so it should be okay. That's what I really like about GBO ... always someone willing to help. Going to the range tomorrow after work as the weather is supposed to be pretty nice. For those of you who have never looked through one of the Elite scopes, you might want to take a look. I think they are very good, quality scopes at a good price.

bjm

bomtek44 · « **Reply #20 on:** March 21, 2008, 09:53:27 AM »

BJM,

Good luck with your first day on the range with that 788. She looks pretty good, from the picture. All I have ever done to my 6mm is float the barrel and bed the action and the first two inches of the barrel shank. She shot real good before that, but does really well now.

When you start loading, some have had good results with the 150 grain ballistic tips and enough IMR-4064 to hit the screens at a little over 2800 fps. Sierra Gamekings do well too.

Good shootin'

bomtek44

bigjeepman · « **Reply #21 on:** March 21, 2008, 06:58:32 PM »

I went to the range today with the 788 .308 I bought this week. I am very pleased with the results as I bought Winchester 150gr Power Points to sight it in as I prefer Win brass for all of my bolt gun reloading. The first picture is the 788 with the Bushnell 3200 Elite 3-9x40mm scope on top. I fired 6 sight-in rounds before the 3 shot group you see. I spread that group size out pretty much with that 3rd shot but I am still happy.

Thank you for all of the input ... I really appreciate it. I cannot wait to run some reloads through it.

bjm

Inrut24/7 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 29, 2008, 10:15:40 AM »

Here are some pics of my 788 in 222, I picked it up two years ago from a guy going through a devorce and was selling stuff cheap, when i bought it, it had a luepold vx3 6.5x20 and a bipod, He said he wanted $250.00 for it and of course i couldnt pass that up, But i couldnt get past the ugly stock so i put this boyds thumbhole on it. It now wears a mueller scope, I put the luepold on my short mag, my 788 shoots great!!!.

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #23 on:** March 29, 2008, 10:41:47 AM »

Wow what a steal. The scope alone was worth more than that. Dale

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 30, 2008, 11:34:02 AM »

I had a Rem 788 in 222. It shot every thing well. I traded it off for a new Remington 700 BDL VS in 222. The VS shot very well, but never better than the 788. The 700 was a much better looking rifle. I would like to get another one in 222 at a reasonable price.

bigjeepman · « **Reply #25 on:** April 28, 2008, 02:29:20 PM »

Though this is an older post, I have refinished the Rem 788 I bought because you guys convinced me it would be the right thing to do. I know some do not believe in refinishing older rifles and I kind of fit in that category. After finding some extra time and the urge to make a change, I sanded the stock down, gave it two coats of walnut stain, and added seven coats of Tru-Oil using 00 steel wool between each coat. I am not sure if the pictures can justify my satisfaction, but I am happy with the end product.

Here is the "before" picture ... it had a few dings and scratches though not too noticeable in the picture ...

This the "after" picture ...

bjm

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #26 on:** April 28, 2008, 02:40:18 PM »

You did good!!!!!!!!

Looks very nice. Dale

bigjeepman · « **Reply #27 on:** April 29, 2008, 12:05:13 PM »

Thank you Dale ...

bjm

nomosendero · « **Reply #28 on:** April 29, 2008, 03:35:33 PM »

+1 It does look really good. I talked a friend of mine into buying the carbine version when it came out back in the late 70'S & it was a real shooter.

bigjeepman · « **Reply #29 on:** May 02, 2008, 02:37:34 PM »

Thank you nomosendero ... I just love the feel of this plain, old rifle. I might buy another some day in another caliber ... perhaps a .222.

bjm