rem 788 in 222

[jreedtn]

I found a used but in really good shape rem 788 in 222. I think its stupid cheap, and I nearly bought it, but wanted to hear some other opinons about it first. other than being a bit on the ugly side how do they shoot????
thanks,
john

 

[xpilot]

Buy it........You will be happy

 

[treeman]

I've had a 22-250 and a 308 both shot well , less than moa. the only negative to me was the noisy magazine

 

[riverwolf1]

As I recall the 788 had one of the fastest lock times in the industry! I had a buddy that rebarreled one to shoot silhuoette and did extremely well with it.

 

[MrMajestic]

Although it has never happened to me I understand the braised bolt handle is known to fail. I just screwed a PacNor 8tw tube, 788 contour to .850, on one and chambered it in 6X47L and it shoots very well, first group had 4 touching at 200 yards! The stock .308 barrel was a solid 3/4 MOA! Buy it or tell me were it is! ;D

 

[BoydAllen]

If the bore is in good shape, buy it.

 

[5spd]

I bought a 788, .222 new in the 70s for $59 at jc pennys w/a box of ammo. It was my 1st varmint rig I bought w/hard earned money then. It was darned accurate that I never missed what I shot at with a taso 3-9x scope on it. Wished Id never of sold it.

 

[SDWhirlwind]

First centerfire I bought out of HS was a used 788 22/250 lightly used in '75. Have owned 2 223's, couple of 243's and a new 6mm. All shot decent. Most I took on trade or had something wrong with them and I got them cheap. Worked on a dozen or so more that guys brought to me to fix over the years. Couple I glassed and they shot better. Others had stuck cases from galled lugs, safety levers broke off, bolt faces pulled out, bolt handles broke off, bolt stops broke, trigger assembly broke off receiver, cracked stocks, yadda yadda. Oh, and the cheezy mags, forgot the cheezy mags! Don't care if I never see another. Only rifles I have worked on that are cheezier IMO than a 788 is the Mossberg 800 series and the Savage 340 and relatives and the Stevens 200's.

Sorry, but I guess everyone but me has something good to say about them. Good riddance is my thinking. To all those that say they will outshoot their 700 cousin I have never seen it. Perhaps a freak here and there but I have/had 700's that shoot way better than they should. Never will be convinced that Big Green put better barrels on their bottom of the barrel rifles than their 'premium' rigs. If anyone buys the 1/4moa stories of 788 owners than why did Remington bother with the 40-XB and XBBR???

They were a great buy in the mid 70's when on sale at Coast to Coast or Our Own here for $89.95 during their fall sales. The 6mm I bought new for $129 without a scope and that was still a good deal. Don't understand the $400+ price tags they bring anymore. And again, NO I don't buy they shoot better than most BR rigs! 'Consistent' 1/2" groups with their crappy trigger etc I would have to personally witness. Show me 5 5 shot groups shot the same setup in person before the "I'll betcha" comments.

Most parts haven't been available since early 90's so why pay 700 prices for the 788? Well, other than not knowing any better. They are a great 'beater' rifle or great starter rifle if you can find one dirt cheap but you can buy a youth 700 for $400ish so.......... Again, Sorry, not gonna sugar coat my experiences or opinions. Not wanting an argument or snide remarks but am sure they will be plentyfull.

My opinion shouldn't be taken as offensive to those opposing, I just think I have enough experience to argue the opposite of those who have only owned/shot one or two! I know my comments are coming off as being arrogant but that is not what I am trying to be, just don't want to type 2 pages of nicety's to explain the shortcomings of the 788!

Respectfully,
Dennis

 

[Lazydays]

I found a used but in really good shape rem 788 in 222. I think its stupid cheap, and I nearly bought it, but wanted to hear some other opinons about it first. other than being a bit on the ugly side how do they shoot????
thanks,
john

brother had one for several years. It would shoot .60" groups effortlessly with not so good bullets and brass. That rifle was pretty much the way it was shipped other than a good cleaning. He later bought a 788 in .223, and it would shoot mid sixes all the time. But he worked a lot harder on load development on that one. No question in my mind is that the .222 would have been capable of shooting groups in the sub half inch range with good cases and better bullets & powder.
gary

 

[Lazydays]

As I recall the 788 had one of the fastest lock times in the industry! I had a buddy that rebarreled one to shoot silhuoette and did extremely well with it.

it is the fastest
gary

 

[BoydAllen]

If you look on the web site of Ernie the gunsmith, I think that you will fine a spring kit to lighten the pull of the trigger. Also, there are some bedding and scope mounting issues that you may want to ask me about if you get it. I have had several 788s and did all of my own gunsmithing on them. There are a couple of tricky areas that can bite you, if you are not aware of them.

 

[Uthink Uknow]

If it's too good to be true, it probably is.
Send me the seller's contact information. I'll call and give him proper whatfor.

 

[jreedtn]

well I ended up getting it. I figured out the door less than 300 bucks it should be worth it. I guess ill find out when I send a few down the tube. thanks for all the feedback guys!

 

[Tommie]

well I ended up getting it. I figured out the door less than 300 bucks it should be worth it. I guess ill find out when I send a few down the tube. thanks for all the feedback guys!

You should be locked up for grand theft! Congrats! Every centerfire I own is a 788...for a reason.

Tom

 

[M-61]

Great caliber and an accurate rifle.

 

[mac86951]

I love mine, and its a tack driver if well cared for.

As usual, do you homework and check the bore/throat if you can before you buy (this can be as simple as firing a 100y group).

-Mac