Rem. 788 action for build?

[CBS]

i'm looking at a new build. (.243) and i'm trying to choose an action. i've got a Rem.788 located that i can pick up for $325. i don't see many rifles built on this action; is there a reason they aren't popular? are there any inherent shortcomings of this action? i'm also considering the following actions: Rem 700, savage, or if i get frustrated with those choices i'll just get a stiller.

i'd like to save a few bucks on the action so i can splurge on the optics.

i'm planning a 27" #5 fluted barrel in a Choate stock (feel free to give input/opinion on the choate stock. )

gun will be used as a deer/antelope gun to 800yds.

 

[WARD]

Love 'em or hate 'em. I love mine!


I built a 22-250 AI on mine with a budget A&B barrel and the thing is a 1/4 MOA gun all day go figure. Used a MPI thumb hole BR stock. I built mine for prairie doggin' on a bench.

Overall a good action. It does have its shortcomings, but if the price is right for you, go for it.

 

[Trickymissfit]

been around then quite a bit, and the 788 is a great action (actually considered to be stronger than the 700). It has some problems as many will point out. The trigger is zilch on a good day! The rear bolt locking lugs can create another problem with bolt flex, and this is why most guys build rifles with smaller calibers in them. But the bolt flex issue can be tackled with some elbow grease. One guy I know reworked the bolt body in front of the lugs to tighten it up, and also added the Borden bumps. I figured he'd ruin the bolt, but it seemed to work very well. He was shooting low .30" groups with a 6 HLS improved (similar to a .243AI but reamed with a 6mmAI reamer in a short chamber). He just cut the barrel back and rechambered it (factory Remington barrel). It took forever to get the bolt lugs lapped in (used 5a and 7a Clover compound). He did all his trigger mods himself, and all I know is there was some welding involved with a lot of hand profiling. I honestly think that rifle would shoot in the very low twos without much trouble and a better barrel. Another guy I know had Dwight Scott do one in .243AI, and constantly fought it. The rifle still shot quarter inch groups with a Shilen match barrel. Dwight reworked the trigger group for him, but his problem evolved around bolt flex and case design. He later rechambered it to 22-250 AI (he did the work himself), and shot quarter inch groups as well. But it still ate cases all the time.
gary

 

[Coyboy]

Buy the 788 and send it to me, I'll pay you the 325 plus shipping.

 

[GNERGY]

That's a good price for that rifle. I sold the one I inherited from my brother for $450.00. I see quire a few at the range redone with heavier barrels that shoot tiny little groups.
Tarey

 

[Coyboy]

and they feed a 6mmbr out of the factory mag flawlessly if you know how to tweak it.

 

[CBS]

thanks for all of the responses.

i should probably look this up but it's easier to ask you guys. will the mag accomodate a .243 round with VLDs?

 

[Trickymissfit]

thanks for all of the responses.

i should probably look this up but it's easier to ask you guys. will the mag accomodate a .243 round with VLDs?

with a .243 Winchester it should. But it may also be marginal. Most guys I know shot shorter cases out of them.
gary