Remington 788

[old codger]

Remington Model 788 in 223 remington purchased NIB in 1982. The left side of the barrel is marked '9 AB Z". Can anyone give me an interpretation of these codes? My interpretation is A=month (March), B=Year (1981), Z=Assembly. However there are some who believe that the Z is the year 1975.
I have seen some people believe that the Model 788 in 223 was made only in 1975 as they are using the Z as the year code (1975).
Anybody have a good handle on this?

 

[Fast14riot]

According to Remington, it was made only in 1975. Have any pics of all markings left and right side of barrel?

 

[old codger]

Not too good at pictures but here they are.

 

[Tommie]

Remington’s listing of production dates for the 788 is confusing. While it appears they’re saying the 223 chambering was only offered in 1975, actually that was the first year it was offered. Production of 788’s in 223 continued from 1975 through 1983.

 

[shoot4fun]

Wish I still had mine. It was a real shooter.
But, such is the life of a relentless trader.

 

[old codger]

What got this whole thing started was my purchase date (1982). If the gun was made in 1975 it would have sat in the factory packaging for 7 years. That just makes no sense. I agree with Tommie. Makes more sense that the 223 chambering was introduced in 1975 but was not just produced in that year.

 

[shoot4fun]

What got this whole thing started was my purchase date (1982). If the gun was made in 1975 it would have sat in the factory packaging for 7 years. That just makes no sense. I agree with Tommie. Makes more sense that the 223 chambering was introduced in 1975 but was not just produced in that year.

Although I have no solid knowledge of those date codes I am thinking that gun didn't sit somewhere for 7 years. Likely, and very probable, that Remington's date code system was inaccurate .

 

[Tommie]

What got this whole thing started was my purchase date (1982). If the gun was made in 1975 it would have sat in the factory packaging for 7 years. That just makes no sense. I agree with Tommie. Makes more sense that the 223 chambering was introduced in 1975 but was not just produced in that year.

I don’t know a lot, but I do know 788’s.