rem. 788 action

[Austin]

I have a rem 788 action. Would it be a good comp. action.

 

[DJD58]

There used to be some being used but not many.
Probably the biggest problem with a 788 is getting a comp trigger, they won't take a Remington 700 type.

In using a odd type of action, if you ever want to sell the rifle it won't bring nearly as much in return as a commonly used action would.
You would be much better off using a custom action designed for whatever you want to shoot or finding a good used rifle.

 

[Austin]

Thanks for the info.DJD58

 

[StephenPerry]

788 For BR Competition
I have a 788 action with a Hart barrel and Canjar set trigger in the original stock modifed to have a flat 2" stock. The gun is a gem. I used to shoot it in BR comp got my butt whipped but learned to concentrate on the flags and the rythmn of BR shooting. The barrel is chambered 6X47 and I have several hundred brass carefully prepared. I shot a lot of Sierra 70 grn bullets and as much 748 as I could get in the case.
The 788 action is bullet proof and with a Canjar set trigger you can compete in local BR Matches. Hit the guys hard when the wind is blowing the tops of their tennis shoes. You have a chance then.
Stephen Perry

 

[Asa_Yam]

788 Advantages
- Accurate.
- Inexpensive.
- Single stack, detachable magazine. Feeding is highly reliable.

788 Disadvantages
- Fewer accessories,especially triggers) available.
- Rear locking design. Reports of cases stretching in .243 and .308 models. Hard bolt lift and broken bolt handles have resulted from this. Probably not a good choice for a steady diet of high pressure loads, especially in .473" bolt face cartridges,.22-250, .243, 6BR, and .308)

One writeup on the 788 can be seen at http://www.charm.net/~kmarsh/788.html

 

[StephenPerry]

Short
I have 2 guns with 788 actions. I sold many when I worked in my friends gun shop. Bolts come off several action notably Kelbly's. When you learn how to full length size a case the bolt is not a problem. The 788 action will take as many high pressure loads as any action. The rear locking lugs are one of it's strong features. The stretching of brass is by people that don't know how to FL size, they oversize causing the shoulder moving back and forth. The Canjar provides the adjustable trigger. One knowing how to work on triggers can get the factory trigger down to 1 #. Fast lock time and Remington's best barrels provide the accuracy. Also no nonsense walnut and later hardwood stock had full forearm and pistol grip design. Any more myths about the 788 I can solve them.
Stephen Perry

 

[M700]

Was surprised at a LE sniper school not long ago when top shooter turned out to be using an old 788 action! It was of course a .308, with a very stout custom barrel and a McMillan stock. His groups at 100 yards edged out a lot of much newer equipment including several Accuracy International rifles.

FWIW, Guy