Remington 788 build

[1086Cowboy]

I've got an old beat up remington 788. I've heard they were extremely accurate, but I'm assuming that isn't the case with mine, owing to a dirt dauber plugged barrel that rusted. Are these worth rebarreling to make a custom long-ish range gun out of?

 

[1086Cowboy]

Or just go with a 700?

 

[BuzzinSATX]

The 788’s were very accurate. They were sweet shooters. Are you sure yours is rusted or just dirty?

 

[1086Cowboy]

It's pitted for about a 2 inch section, enough that I'm worried about shooting it. Unfortunately its far enough from the muzzle that it can't be cut and still be 16"

 

[skfullgun]

I'd spend some time working on that barrel with a bore brush. I've brought more than one barrel back to life that I thought was ruined by giving it a good scrubbing. Hot water and vinegar work really well.

If you haven't already!

 

[sparkyv]

Yes, they were known to be good shooters, but unless it had some sentimental value like mine does, I don't think I'd spend energy trying to save it beyond cleaning the barrel and shooting/evaluating it as-is.

 

[Axxe55]

I'd clean the barrel really good and just shoot it, or sell it. If you are not sentimentally attached to the rifle, sell it. There is a small cult following for the Remington 788's. One problem is there is very little in the aftermarket to support these rifles, so better parts will be difficult to find, if they even exist. Unlike the Model 700's, just about anything can be bought in the aftermarket for them.

 

[skfullgun]

? for the OP. In what caliber is it currently chambered? You might be surprised and someone might be willing to trade you something shootable in exchange.

 

[skfullgun]

And OP has 26 posts!

Viola!

 

[Geezer]

The 788 was a fine rifle. Not as fancy at the 700 but usually shot better.

 

[1086Cowboy]

It is in .243. I'm trying to decide if I want to replace the locked up trigger as well, or cut my losses. I know Timney makes a good one but $150 on a free gun that may need a new barrel might not make sense

 

[skfullgun]

Bass Pro/Cabela's has a .243 rifle /scope combo for about $250 as a Black Friday deal.

 

[Axxe55]

It is in .243. I'm trying to decide if I want to replace the locked up trigger as well, or cut my losses. I know Timney makes a good one but $150 on a free gun that may need a new barrel might not make sense

Sell it and buy a new rifle. You have enough posts to use the Classifieds now.

 

[skfullgun]

Very possible someone (maybe me), would buy that rifle from you!