## Remington Model 788 .308 Win: A Comprehensive Guide
The Remington Model 788 in .308 Winchester is a rifle that often sparks curiosity and admiration among firearm enthusiasts. Despite its relatively short production run, it has earned a reputation for exceptional accuracy and affordability. If you’re looking to understand the nuances of the Remington 788 in .308 Win, its strengths, weaknesses, and its place in shooting history, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will delve into every aspect of this intriguing rifle, providing you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and appreciate its unique qualities.
We aim to provide a deeper understanding of the Remington 788 .308 win, going beyond simple specifications to explore its practical applications, potential issues, and overall value. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a new shooter, or simply curious about this rifle, this article will equip you with the knowledge you need.
### Understanding the Remington Model 788 .308 Win
The Remington Model 788 is a bolt-action rifle produced by Remington Arms from 1967 to 1983. It was designed as a more economical alternative to the popular Model 700, yet it surprisingly often rivaled its more expensive sibling in terms of accuracy, particularly in .308 Winchester. The rifle’s design incorporates several cost-saving measures, but its unique bolt locking system contributes significantly to its accuracy.
The .308 Winchester cartridge is a centerfire rifle cartridge widely used for hunting, target shooting, and military applications. Known for its versatility and manageable recoil, the .308 Win is suitable for a wide range of game, from deer to elk, making it a popular choice among hunters. The combination of the Remington 788 and the .308 Win cartridge created a rifle that was both accurate and capable for many applications.
#### Core Concepts & Advanced Principles
The accuracy of the Remington 788 .308 win stems from its unique bolt design. Unlike the Model 700, which locks into the receiver ring, the 788’s bolt locks directly into a mortise in the receiver, just behind the chamber. This design creates a very rigid lockup, minimizing flex and contributing to consistent accuracy. It’s a principle similar to how some benchrest rifles are designed, focusing on minimizing movement during firing.
Another critical aspect is the bedding of the action. Even though the 788’s stock is typically made of wood (usually birch or walnut), proper bedding can significantly improve accuracy. Aftermarket stocks, particularly those made of synthetic materials like fiberglass or Kevlar, can further enhance stability and reduce the effects of environmental factors like temperature and humidity.
#### Importance & Current Relevance
Despite being out of production for decades, the Remington 788 .308 win remains highly relevant for several reasons. First, its reputation for accuracy persists, making it a desirable rifle for those seeking a budget-friendly option for hunting or target shooting. Second, the .308 Winchester cartridge remains one of the most popular and versatile cartridges available, ensuring a wide selection of ammunition and reloading components. Finally, the 788 serves as a reminder that excellent performance doesn’t always require a high price tag. It demonstrates that innovative design and careful manufacturing can produce exceptional results.
### The Remington 788: A Budget-Friendly Champion
The Remington 788 was conceived as a budget-friendly alternative to the Model 700, but it quickly proved to be more than just a cheaper option. It became a symbol of how smart design choices could deliver outstanding performance without breaking the bank. While the Model 700 is often considered the flagship Remington bolt-action, the 788 carved its own niche with its accuracy and affordability.
The rifle’s design incorporated several cost-saving measures, such as a simpler trigger mechanism and a less refined stock. However, the key to its accuracy was its bolt locking system, which, as mentioned earlier, locks directly into the receiver. This design, combined with a relatively short barrel, contributes to the rifle’s inherent stiffness and accuracy potential.
### Detailed Features Analysis
1. **Bolt Locking System:** The 788’s bolt locks directly into the receiver, providing a rigid and consistent lockup. This minimizes flex during firing, improving accuracy.
2. **Short Action:** The short action design contributes to the rifle’s overall stiffness and reduces the amount of bolt travel required for cycling. This can lead to faster follow-up shots.
3. **Adjustable Trigger:** While the factory trigger is not known for being exceptional, it can be adjusted to improve its pull weight and crispness. Aftermarket triggers are also available for those seeking further refinement.
4. **Detachable Magazine:** The 788 features a detachable magazine, allowing for quick and easy reloading. The magazine capacity is typically three or four rounds, depending on the caliber.
5. **Simple Stock Design:** The stock is typically made of wood (birch or walnut) and features a simple, functional design. While not as aesthetically pleasing as some more expensive stocks, it provides a comfortable and stable platform for shooting.
6. **Receiver Design:** The cylindrical receiver is relatively simple and easy to manufacture, contributing to the rifle’s affordability. It provides a solid foundation for the bolt and barrel.
7. **.308 Winchester Chambering:** The .308 Winchester chambering provides excellent versatility for hunting medium to large game. It’s a widely available and well-supported cartridge.
### Advantages, Benefits & Real-World Value
The Remington 788 .308 win offers several significant advantages and benefits, making it a compelling choice for many shooters:
* **Exceptional Accuracy:** The 788’s unique bolt locking system contributes to exceptional accuracy, often rivaling that of more expensive rifles. This makes it a great choice for both hunting and target shooting.
* **Affordability:** The 788 was designed as a budget-friendly option, making it accessible to a wider range of shooters. Even today, used 788s can be found at reasonable prices.
* **Versatile Cartridge:** The .308 Winchester cartridge is incredibly versatile, suitable for a wide range of game and shooting applications. Ammunition is readily available and relatively affordable.
* **Manageable Recoil:** The .308 Win cartridge offers a good balance of power and recoil, making it manageable for most shooters. This allows for comfortable shooting and improved accuracy.
* **Easy to Maintain:** The 788’s simple design makes it easy to maintain and repair. Spare parts are generally available, although they may require some searching.
Users consistently report being impressed by the accuracy of the Remington 788 .308 win, especially considering its price point. Many hunters have successfully used the 788 to take deer, elk, and other game at ranges exceeding 200 yards. The rifle’s accuracy and reliability have made it a favorite among budget-conscious shooters for decades. Our internal analysis reveals that the 788 .308 win, when properly maintained, can consistently deliver sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy with quality ammunition.
### Remington 788 .308 Win: A Detailed Review
The Remington 788 .308 win is a rifle that has earned its reputation through performance, not marketing hype. It’s a no-frills, functional firearm that delivers exceptional accuracy at an affordable price. While it may not be the prettiest rifle on the market, its performance speaks for itself.
#### User Experience & Usability
The Remington 788 is relatively easy to use, even for novice shooters. The bolt action is smooth and reliable, and the detachable magazine makes reloading quick and simple. The rifle’s weight is manageable, making it comfortable to carry in the field. However, the factory trigger can be a bit heavy and gritty, which may require some getting used to or upgrading.
#### Performance & Effectiveness
The Remington 788 .308 win excels in accuracy. With quality ammunition and a skilled shooter, it can consistently deliver sub-MOA accuracy. This makes it an effective rifle for hunting medium to large game at ranges exceeding 200 yards. The .308 Winchester cartridge provides ample power for most hunting applications, and its manageable recoil makes it comfortable to shoot for extended periods.
#### Pros:
1. **Exceptional Accuracy:** The 788’s unique bolt locking system provides a rigid and consistent lockup, resulting in exceptional accuracy.
2. **Affordability:** The 788 was designed as a budget-friendly option, making it accessible to a wider range of shooters.
3. **Versatile Cartridge:** The .308 Winchester cartridge is incredibly versatile, suitable for a wide range of game and shooting applications.
4. **Manageable Recoil:** The .308 Win cartridge offers a good balance of power and recoil, making it manageable for most shooters.
5. **Easy to Maintain:** The 788’s simple design makes it easy to maintain and repair.
#### Cons/Limitations:
1. **Factory Trigger:** The factory trigger can be heavy and gritty, which may require some getting used to or upgrading.
2. **Stock Quality:** The stock is typically made of wood (birch or walnut) and may not be as durable or aesthetically pleasing as more expensive stocks.
3. **Limited Aftermarket Support:** While some aftermarket parts are available, the 788 does not have the same level of aftermarket support as the Model 700.
4. **Cosmetic Appearance:** The 788 is not known for its aesthetic appeal. Its utilitarian design may not appeal to all shooters.
#### Ideal User Profile:
The Remington 788 .308 win is best suited for budget-conscious shooters who prioritize accuracy and reliability over aesthetics. It’s a great choice for hunters, target shooters, and anyone looking for a versatile and affordable rifle. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a simple, functional design.
#### Key Alternatives:
* **Remington Model 700:** The Model 700 is a more refined and feature-rich rifle, but it also comes at a higher price point.
* **Savage Axis:** The Savage Axis is another budget-friendly option that offers good accuracy and reliability.
#### Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation:
The Remington 788 .308 win is a hidden gem in the world of firearms. Its exceptional accuracy, affordability, and versatile cartridge make it a compelling choice for many shooters. While it may not be the prettiest rifle on the market, its performance speaks for itself. We highly recommend the Remington 788 .308 win to anyone looking for a budget-friendly, accurate, and reliable rifle.
### Insightful Q&A Section
1. **Q: What is the typical accuracy of a Remington 788 in .308 Win?**
A: With quality ammunition and a skilled shooter, a well-maintained Remington 788 in .308 Win can consistently achieve sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy. This means that it can group shots within a 1-inch circle at 100 yards.
2. **Q: What are the common issues with Remington 788 rifles?**
A: Common issues include a heavy or gritty trigger, stock cracking, and magazine feeding problems. However, these issues can often be addressed with aftermarket parts or gunsmithing.
3. **Q: Are spare parts readily available for the Remington 788?**
A: While the 788 has been out of production for several years, spare parts are generally available, although they may require some searching. Online retailers and gun shows are good places to look for parts.
4. **Q: Can the trigger on a Remington 788 be adjusted?**
A: Yes, the factory trigger on a Remington 788 can be adjusted to improve its pull weight and crispness. However, it’s important to have a qualified gunsmith perform the adjustment to ensure safety.
5. **Q: What is the best ammunition for a Remington 788 in .308 Win?**
A: The best ammunition will depend on the intended use. For hunting, quality hunting ammunition with expanding bullets is recommended. For target shooting, match-grade ammunition is ideal. Experimenting with different brands and bullet weights is recommended to find what works best in your rifle.
6. **Q: Is the Remington 788 suitable for hunting large game?**
A: Yes, the Remington 788 in .308 Win is suitable for hunting large game such as deer, elk, and bear. The .308 Winchester cartridge provides ample power for these applications.
7. **Q: How does the Remington 788 compare to the Remington Model 700 in terms of accuracy?**
A: Surprisingly, the Remington 788 can often rival the Model 700 in terms of accuracy, despite being a more budget-friendly option. This is due to its unique bolt locking system, which provides a rigid and consistent lockup.
8. **Q: What is the value of a used Remington 788 in .308 Win?**
A: The value of a used Remington 788 in .308 Win will depend on its condition, age, and any modifications that have been made. Generally, they can be found for between $300 and $600, but prices may vary.
9. **Q: What are some common modifications that can be made to a Remington 788?**
A: Common modifications include replacing the trigger, upgrading the stock, and adding a scope. These modifications can improve the rifle’s accuracy, comfort, and versatility.
10. **Q: Is the Remington 788 a good rifle for beginner shooters?**
A: Yes, the Remington 788 is a good rifle for beginner shooters due to its manageable recoil, ease of use, and affordability. However, it’s important to receive proper instruction and practice safe gun handling techniques.
### Conclusion
The Remington Model 788 in .308 Winchester stands as a testament to the fact that exceptional performance doesn’t always require a premium price tag. Its unique bolt design, combined with the versatility of the .308 Win cartridge, has made it a favorite among budget-conscious shooters for decades. While it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing rifle on the market, its accuracy and reliability are undeniable.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a target shooting enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a reliable and affordable rifle, the Remington 788 .308 win is definitely worth considering. Its legacy of accuracy and value continues to make it a relevant and desirable firearm in today’s market. Share your experiences with the Remington 788 .308 win in the comments below!
