M14 Forum

Old Geezer · January 31st, 2012, 10:46 AM

I don't know if this is the place for this post but I didn't know where else to put it.

I have a neighbor whose husband passed away and she wants to get rid of his firearms. One is the make and model posted above. I've looked on-line and gotten some information and I spoke directly to Remington. This particular rifle was made in 1980 and was discontinued as a production model a few years later. According to one web site there was a problem with the safety on this model and Remington did make arrangements for any owner to have the safety modified.

I'm thinking of buying this one if I can get some information about how they shoot. I'm a little disappointed about the magazine only holding three rounds and apparently there are no after market mags that hold more.

If anyone has any familiarity with this rifle I'd appreciate the information. Also, if anyone knows a ball park figure as to what this gun is worth, I'd like to know that as well. It's in relatively good shape.

lefty o · January 31st, 2012, 11:05 AM

the 788 while being plain and kinda homely looking, was probably the most accurate out of the box rifle remington ever made.

ripcord · January 31st, 2012, 11:32 AM

I had a 788 in 6mm that was as accurate as any rifle out of the box that I have ever owned. Go for it!

Bamban · January 31st, 2012, 12:47 PM

Can't go wrong with the 788. The rear multiple lugs are not the most appealing, but these rifles are some of the most accurate ones out the box. I have no idea how much they are worth now, I bought mine some years ago.

Shoot some 55 grains ballistic tips, these are some deadly Coyote pills. I just copied the load from this site using 4064 did not do any load development.

http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspa...pes/4533485759

KyAggie · January 31st, 2012, 12:57 PM

+1 on what everyone else has said! I have had a 788 22-250 for 28 years and it is a tack driver as long as you don't go over 55 grain bullets and you run them very fast. It has a 1 in 14" twist which is great with bullets 55 grains and less. Mine is most accurate with 50 grain bullets. Go for it. On gunbroker they usually go for $300 - $400 depending on condition and if it has a scope. I paid $195 for it new 28 years ago.

brtvll3 · January 31st, 2012, 01:41 PM

They shoot like no tomorrow.....LOL. I own the 308 and 22-250, and they out shoot rifles costing a WHOLE lot more than they did,with the same ammo. Compact,light weight, and extremely accurate. Those that know, grab them when they see them. Great guns.

carpshooter · January 31st, 2012, 01:55 PM

I brought one and gave it to my brother !

Wish that I had not done that , as it's a good shooter !

Earthquake · January 31st, 2012, 02:01 PM

They made them a couple of odd calibers for a bolt gun, 30-30 win and 44 rem mag. I have been looking for one in 44 mag for a long time but ever time I find one they want too much or I dont have the funds.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remington_788

Casey

hammer 1 · January 31st, 2012, 02:03 PM

Ive got one in 222, it is the most accurate ugly duckling you can get. I use mine as my truck gun, it doesnt come out of my pickup. It has ruined ALOT of coyotes days, if you miss with it, its your fault. I paid 100 bucks for it years ago, the cool one to me , is the 30-30, Ive seen them for 300 up to 500. Snatch it up, definitely.

Old Geezer · January 31st, 2012, 03:19 PM

Thanks for the info. I agree it isn't one of the most appealing looking rifles, but on other forums the consensus seems to be that they shoot fine. I'm going to test drive it tomorrow and that will probably make up my mind on whether I buy it or not.

bd111 · January 31st, 2012, 06:41 PM

Unless things have changed at Remington, you could shoot it a while and if you don't like it send it to Remington and they'll trade you a new 700 in your caliber of choice. Remington's been sued a lot over 788's and wants them out of circulation. Funny thing, the rifle was priced so cheap but shot so good that Remington's real reason for discontinuing it was that it cut into 700 sales.

lefty o · February 1st, 2012, 03:23 AM

ive never heard of a lawsuit over the 788.

Big Maico · February 1st, 2012, 05:18 AM

All I can add is buy it now!

Mine will put 5 rounds under 3/4" at 200 yards

H380 or IMR 4895 are the best powders to use.

JD Russell · February 1st, 2012, 06:23 AM

Buy it my friend... Like the others have said the little 788s are extremely good shooters, i have 1 chambered in .222 that shoots better than some custom rifles! - IMO everybody needs at least one 788

straight shooter · February 1st, 2012, 07:08 AM

In 2005, at the NRA Convention in Houston Tx, I spoke directly to one of Remigtons
BIGWIGS, I have forgotton his name, however.
My first topic to him was the 788.
My first rifle was a 24" .243 M788, and damn damn wish I still had it.
Anyway, I asked him directly, would Remington EVER bring out the 788 again?
His answer.. NO. Because the tooling and proceses used to make the rifle would be cost prohibative. He also "felt" there wouldnt be "that much" of a market for it.
Then I asked him to respond to the rumour that the 788 was dropped because it cut into
M700 sales. He flatly denied it..even chuckled.
My parting words to him were I thought Remington could really make some coin if thet re-issued the rifle, and kept it exactly the same, MAYBE fix that rattling magazine.
I remember while hunting I would jab a small twig between the mag and magwell to keep it quiet!