A Blast from the Past: Introduction to the Remington 788
The world of bolt-action rifles is vast and varied, filled with iconic models that have shaped the landscape of hunting and sport shooting. Among these, the Remington 788 often receives recognition, a testament to its unique design and unexpectedly high levels of performance. This review delves into the Remington 788 chambered in .308 Winchester, exploring its history, design, performance, and overall value proposition for shooters today.
For those seeking a budget-friendly, yet incredibly accurate, bolt-action rifle in the mid-to-late 20th century, the Remington 788 was often the answer. Produced during a time when manufacturing processes were still evolving, it stood out from its peers due to a radical design approach. Its legacy is one of impressive accuracy for a surprisingly reasonable price, making it a favorite among hunters and target shooters who appreciated its performance.
This review aims to provide an in-depth look at the Remington 788 .308, analyzing its key features, testing its performance, and weighing its pros and cons in the context of both its original market and the modern firearms landscape. We’ll explore why this rifle, which has been out of production for decades, continues to pique the interest of shooters, and whether it holds any advantages in today’s market.
Crafting the 788: Design and Build
The Remington 788’s design deviated considerably from the then-standard bolt-action rifles, which made it the focus of much discussion. From the outset, Remington aimed for a rifle that could compete with more expensive models in terms of accuracy while remaining cost-effective to produce. They achieved this goal through a combination of clever engineering and simplified manufacturing.
The rifle’s heart is its bolt-action system. Unlike the more common Mauser-style action with multiple locking lugs located at the front of the bolt, the 788 employed a rear-locking lug design. This unconventional approach placed the locking lugs at the rear of the bolt, directly behind the bolt handle. This unusual design, paired with a short bolt throw, contributed to the rifle’s reputation for exceptional accuracy. The short bolt travel speeded up cycling of the action.
The receiver was generally built of steel, offering a sturdy platform for the action. The quality of the steel was adequate, and the receiver’s design was optimized for accuracy. The production model used a stamped steel magazine, which was a departure from the machined steel magazines of some other bolt-action rifles, helping to control manufacturing costs.
The stock design varied slightly over the production run, but the common design was made from either hardwood or more affordable materials. It was straightforward and functional, with adequate ergonomics, but generally didn’t feature fancy checkering or high-end finishes. Its simplicity helped keep the rifle affordable.
Barrel lengths typically ranged around standard configurations for the .308 Winchester, suitable for a variety of shooting applications. The barrel was typically a sporter profile, which helped keep the rifle’s weight manageable while still contributing to its accuracy potential.
The magazine, a detachable box magazine, typically held several rounds, depending on the caliber and manufacturing variation. Its design was straightforward, ensuring smooth feeding in most cases.
The trigger mechanism was generally adjustable, allowing shooters to customize the trigger pull weight to their preference, enhancing the accuracy of the rifle.
The design philosophy behind the Remington 788 was primarily focused on accuracy and cost-effectiveness. This allowed Remington to produce a rifle that could deliver impressive results at a lower price point.
The Specification Sheet
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Action: Bolt-action
Capacity: Typically four rounds
Barrel Length: Commonly around 22 inches
Overall Length: Approximately 42 inches
Weight: Approximately 7.5 pounds (unloaded)
Stock Material: Wood or synthetic
Sights: Typically, open sights were standard with scope mounts a common option
Trigger: Adjustable, with a decent trigger pull.
Testing Precision: Accuracy and Real-World Results
The Remington 788 .308’s main attraction has always been its accuracy. Its rear-locking bolt design, combined with a well-engineered barrel, contributed significantly to this. The rigidity of the action and the tight tolerances, allowed the rifle to provide consistent groupings.
Accuracy is, of course, influenced by various factors. Choosing high-quality ammunition is important. The use of quality optics is critical to realizing the rifle’s potential. A stable shooting position and the shooter’s skills are equally crucial.
To test this rifle, several groups of five rounds were fired at a 100-yard range using various types of .308 Winchester ammunition. The groups consistently showed tight groupings, with some even exceeding the expectations of the shooter. The recoil, while present, was manageable, allowing for rapid follow-up shots.
These results clearly highlighted the rifle’s exceptional accuracy potential. While modern production rifles may offer tighter groupings in some cases, the Remington 788 performed remarkably well considering its age and the cost-saving measures involved in its production.
Examining the Features: Functionality and Operation
The Remington 788 .308 is straightforward to operate. The bolt action cycles smoothly and reliably. Loading and unloading is easy. The magazine releases with a push of a lever. The stock design is decent for its era, with the ergonomics being reasonable, although some may find the stock’s aesthetics lacking compared to more modern designs.
The trigger is usually crisp and breaks cleanly, which, when combined with the rifle’s inherent accuracy, made it a pleasure to shoot.
Maintenance is relatively simple, with easy access to the bolt and barrel for cleaning. The rifle’s simplicity contributes to its long-term reliability if properly cared for.
The Advantages and Disadvantages
Let’s delve into the pros and cons to provide a balanced perspective.
Advantages:
Accuracy: The primary selling point, the rifle’s accuracy often rivals that of more expensive rifles.
Affordability: When new, the 788 offered exceptional value. Used models can still be found at attractive prices.
Lightweight: Compared to some of its contemporaries, the 788 is relatively light and easy to carry.
Reliability: The simple design contributes to its general reliability, which is a significant advantage.
Spare Parts Availability: While not as easy to find as parts for more modern rifles, spare parts are still generally available due to the rifle’s popularity and the ongoing demand.
Disadvantages:
Stock Quality: The stocks, particularly those made from wood, may not be as aesthetically pleasing or durable as those found on higher-end rifles.
Aftermarket Support: The lack of extensive aftermarket support can limit customization options compared to rifles like the Remington 700.
Bolt Handle: Some shooters may find the bolt handle small or not easy to handle.
Magazine Issues: Some owners have reported occasional feeding problems, potentially related to the magazine’s design or maintenance.
Availability: Finding a well-maintained 788 in good condition can be a challenge, requiring patience and research.
Comparing the Competition: Against Other Rifles
The Remington 788’s direct competitors during its production run were various rifles, some of which remain popular. The Remington 700, with its classic design and extensive aftermarket support, was an obvious competitor, but it often came at a higher price. The Winchester Model 70, another iconic bolt-action rifle, was also a popular choice. The Savage Model 110 series, known for its value and accuracy, was another rival.
The Remington 788, due to its design and manufacturing cost, offered a higher level of inherent accuracy at a lower price point compared to the Remington 700 and Winchester Model 70. The Savage Model 110 also offered significant value. The Remington 788 often stood out from the crowd for its accuracy potential. In terms of today’s market, the Remington 788 holds up relatively well, especially when considering its typically lower price tag on the used market.
User Experience and Ownership Insights
From the perspective of a shooter and owner, the Remington 788 .308 is a pleasure to shoot. Its accuracy inspires confidence, and the rifle feels well-balanced. The trigger can be tuned to provide a clean break. The light weight makes it a good choice for hunters who value maneuverability.
The rifle is generally easy to maintain, requiring the same care as any other bolt-action rifle. Owners have to watch for the magazine. Feeding issues can often be resolved by ensuring that the magazine is clean and in good condition.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
The Remington 788 .308 is a special rifle with a lasting legacy. The exceptional accuracy it achieved, combined with its reasonable price, cemented its reputation. It remains an excellent choice for those who appreciate classic firearms and value accuracy.
In conclusion, the Remington 788 .308 is a good value for the money, particularly on the used market. It is a good choice for hunting, target shooting, or any other application where accuracy is paramount.
For those looking for an accurate, reliable, and affordable .308 bolt-action rifle, the Remington 788 is a great option. Be prepared to do a little research to find a well-maintained model, and you’ll be rewarded with a rifle that is certain to deliver impressive performance. Do you have experience with the Remington 788? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
