Rem Sportsman 78 vs. 700 ...same quality ?

[dolek]

I was wondering if the 78 is the same quality as the 700 ? Was the only difference the wood used for the stock ?

Thanks for any info .

 

[Bill K]

The new 788 model rifle is not exactly like the Rem 700, but it is a very working rifle, and will do the job. Some changes in trigger/barrel fitting adjustments.

 

[dolek]

The new 788 model rifle is not exactly like the Rem 700, but it is a very working rifle, and will do the job. Some changes in trigger/barrel fitting adjustments.

I am asking about the 78 , 788 is a whole different action . 78 is an economy 700 that came with a birch(?) stock . Just wondering if there is any difference in build quality of receiver/bolt between the two .

 

[jobhopper66]

I have had a couple of the 78's and I don't believe there is a difference other than the designation on the side of the receiver. I think think the biggest cost cutting move was the the plain jane hardwood stock they came with. The first rifle I had rebarreled had a 78 action and I thought it was kind of neat because it was different.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Just a cheaper finish like the automatic 74 instead of 7400

 

[dolek]

Thanks guys, I could not see a difference from my 700s other than the name . Much appreciated.

 

[nicholst55]

Beech stock, not birch. I bought a .223 Model 78 in the late 80s. It was amazingly accurate for what it was. I eventually rebarreled and restocked it.

 

[sqrlgtr]

Have one in .243 thats my go to yote/Varmint rifle.It sits in a hs black stock with luepold 6.5/20/40 ao scope.Shoots small groups and is just one of them rifles that I got a bunch of confidence in and cant seem to miss when using it.An added bonus is it loves the nosler 55bt. Talk about turning a groundhog inside out...

 

[dolek]

Beech stock, not birch. I bought a .223 Model 78 in the late 80s. It was amazingly accurate for what it was. I eventually rebarreled and restocked it.

Thanks for clarifying that,was not sure so I put the (?) there.

 

[grovey]

I believe the finish/bluing on these wasn't nearly as nice as say and older BDL, or ADL deluxe for that matter. I've also heard that the .223's in that economy model were very very accurate rifles.

 

[500yards]

Any stock that fits the 700 will fit the 78. You can go from ADL to BDL if you like.

 

[okie]

same. seems like mine have round bolt knobs but cant be sure... (in safe and im at work)

 

[SDWhirlwind]

They used the same shape bolt knob, just not checkered. Have seen several 700 ADL's floating around these parts at gun shows and a few on GB. Polished up so Rem used up their remaining inventory of 78 bolts when they stopped production installing them in the ADL's. Had one 78 beater I bought as a 243 and used it for my switch barrel testing etc. Nice accurate receiver. Like so many I got stupid one day and well......sold it. Still might have the stock? Other than the model designation on the side, smooth bolt knob and not quite as well polished everything else is same same.

 

[dolek]

It came with a pitted 30-06 barrel that still shot well ,but I decided to test it with a new factory .308 barrel just for something to do. It shoots great ,but now I have decided I want a SA . I may just sell/trade it to get one,not sure if that 78 Sportsman on the side will scare people off ? I know it won't for me, would love to find another in SA.

Thanks again folks,info is much appreciated.

 

[Mike 243]

78 Sportsman's is the same as the 700. Remington made these with cheaper stocks. They were sold in Ames and Kmart back in the 80's. I built a 1000 yard bench gun on a 78. All upgrades were done with 700 parts.

 

[shoot4fun]

The new 788 model rifle is not exactly like the Rem 700, but it is a very working rifle, and will do the job. Some changes in trigger/barrel fitting adjustments.

Maybe you're thinking of the new Remington 783? There is no "new" 788.
As for the Sportsman 78 v. 700, all I've ever seen is cosmetic differences. They are the exact same actions and triggers.
Many very nice custom rifles have been built on the 78 action.

 

[SF-Guy]

78 Sportsman's is the same as the 700. Remington made these with cheaper stocks. They were sold in Ames and Kmart back in the 80's. I built a 1000 yard bench gun on a 78. All upgrades were done with 700 parts.

Exactly, these were made by Remington 1984 to 1988 and had a very plain stock on them. No checkering, no caps, no nothing extra. Actually made a very decent hunting or field rifle as there was no need to cry over scratches.

 

[JohnHenry]

My brother has one in 223 and I believe the ADL trigger guard on the Model 78 was plastic.

 

[Twicepop]

I think it was in Precision Shooting that I read someone had gauged several of the Model 78 and a like number of 700s from the same era, and the Model 78s had tighter tolerances on them.

 

[stacy]

SAME AS REM 700 JUST PLAIN JANE I HAVE A REM 78 IN 30-06 STILL TILL THIS DAY SHE IS A WORKHORSE