788 223

[378]

I am picking up a 788 in 223 caliber this weekend.  $325 for rifle no scope.  Condition is good.  Just wondering if that's a good price.

[woodchukhntr]

I am picking up a 788 in 223 caliber this weekend.  $325 for rifle no scope.  Condition is good.  Just wondering if that's a good price.

Yes it is.  I've not seen a decent one for less than $400 + for a few years around here.

[378]

Thanks, I picked it up yesterday.  It's a bueaty.  Came with a new trigger, so if anyone is interested in the original, let me know.  He gave me both.

[woodchukhntr]

Can you post a picture?

[hillbill]

didnt they call them the budget tackdriver? think they quit makin them in th 80's?i prob wouldnt be afraid of any big name bolt gun at that price to tell the truth.considering condition of course.

[378]

Here's a pic of the gun.  Redid the stock over the past couple of weeks.  Sanded fine, applied one coat of walnut stain then four coats of true oil, steel wooling inbetween each coat.  I really like the way it came out.  The bluing was perfect, nothing had to be done to it.  The trigger was changed by the original owner.  It is very light.  I am a little shaky after watching the the episode on CNBC. I was thinking of selling but don't someone else to get hurt.  This may be just stay for show or a safe queen. 

[james]

The CNBC show I saw was talking about the model 700 Rem.  The safety is different in that the 700 can be adjusted but not the 788.  I take my 788- .223 prairie dog shooting at least once a year.  It is slightly more accurate than my 700 BDL in the same caliber.  My 788 likes 50 to 52 grain pills in front of IMR 4198 at about 3000fps.  I wouldn't worry about the light trigger pull if you keep the muzzle pointed down range.  When you have a good rest that light trigger will be nice.

[mbopp]

The 788 uses a totally different trigger than the 700.
Rumor had it that 1) Remington lost money on the 788 but kept it because 2) it made Savage quit production of their inexpensive bolt gun (110?)
Yes, $325 was a good price, $400 is more the norm.

[378]

I finally had the chance to go out and shoot this rifle.  I must say it shoots lights out.  I am thrilled at its performance.  By far the best shooter I have.  I was touching bullets all day long at 100 yds.  Can't wait for ground hogs this spring. 

[Swampman]

Remington didn't make the 798/799 they just imported it.  They had a lot of complaints about outsourcing.  When you're the best it seems you just can't win.  Nice little Mausers made in the same factory where the Interarms Mark X was made.

Since Remington owns Marlin, they have another source for cheap boltguns now.

Good buy!

[Swampman]

The CNBC show I saw was talking about the model 700 Rem.  The safety is different in that the 700 can be adjusted but not the 788.  I take my 788- .223 prairie dog shooting at least once a year.  It is slightly more accurate than my 700 BDL in the same caliber.  My 788 likes 50 to 52 grain pills in front of IMR 4198 at about 3000fps.  I wouldn't worry about the light trigger pull if you keep the muzzle pointed down range.  When you have a good rest that light trigger will be nice.

Pretty funny stuff here......scarry!!!!

[TLARbb]

The CNBC show I saw was talking about the model 700 Rem.  The safety is different in that the 700 can be adjusted but not the 788.  I take my 788- .223 prairie dog shooting at least once a year.  It is slightly more accurate than my 700 BDL in the same caliber.  My 788 likes 50 to 52 grain pills in front of IMR 4198 at about 3000fps.  I wouldn't worry about the light trigger pull if you keep the muzzle pointed down range.  When you have a good rest that light trigger will be nice.

Pretty funny stuff here......scarry!!!!

Actually, I think nothing about that is funny.  And I don't see anything scary about it either.  The Remington 700 trigger is not the safest mechanism ever made, but on the older guns with the safety that locked the bolt, it made for an opportunity for an accidental discharge.  But, in all of it, common sense safety rules are paramount, no matter whose gun you have or who made it.  Concerning the 788 trigger, it is made somewhat similar to the 700 trigger, but I can't say if the "defect" exists in it or not.  One thing to make sure of is that you can open the bolt to unload the chamber without taking the safety off "safe" and make sure the rifle is pointed in a safe direction when you unload it or take the safety off.

EJ

[Larry L]

I almost wish I hadn't read this thread. I know where a 788 is chambered in 243 and I'm not sure the gun has ever been shot. It wears a Weaver scope 4 power on top and the bolt face is factory blue with zero indication that it's had a round in it. The clip shows minor wear in the blue  but that's it. I can buy it for $425.00 but I just have problems paying that much for a 788. They weren't the strongest of actions but most were mighty fine shooters. I may have to go back and look at that puppy again.

I really don't see an issue with the Remington 700 trigger. I hardly ever use a safety anyway. When hunting I load a round in the chamber, close the bolt and then pick up the bolt handle. The pressure from the ejector spring on the base of the brass keeps the bolt from sliding open and it certainly can't go off even if you pull the trigger. In my humble opinion, you should never trust any safety or any trigger. YOU have to be smarter than the gun. That's why I carry mine with the bolt handle in the up position. It makes no noise when closing it back so game is not effected. Might give it a try sometime. But as always, keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction regardless if loaded or not.

[Swampman]

I had one in .243 when I was young.  I could hit a Coke bottle cap with it every time at 100 yards from the sitting position.

[mrbigtexan]

Remington didn't make the 798/799 they just imported it.  They had a lot of complaints about outsourcing.  When you're the best it seems you just can't win.  Nice little Mausers made in the same factory where the Interarms Mark X was made.

Since Remington owns Marlin, they have another source for cheap boltguns now.

Good buy!

he is talking about the 788, not the 798

[Swampman]

Yep I missed that....sorry!