Author Topic: Remington Model 788 in 6mm Remington  (Read 2616 times)

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Offline jcsabolt2

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Remington Model 788 in 6mm Remington
« on: July 13, 2003, 10:10:30 AM »
Can anyone give me some information about the Remington Model 788?  I have a friend of mine that has one and wants to sell it.  It is the only gun he owns and he doesn't shoot it very much at all.  The stock is in pretty good conditions, no visible scratches or dings that I could see, but there is little rust here and there on the barrel, but the bore and bolt look good to me.  It shoots pretty good to.  Smoked a critter this weekend with in while it was feasting on a dead steer of ours.

I just don't know anything about that particular rifle that Remington made and would like to know a little bit more and an estimated price of what you all think it may be worth.  He has been told $250 by one fella he knows that owns 4 safes full of guns.

Thanks in advance!
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Offline Mikey

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788s
« Reply #1 on: July 14, 2003, 09:12:11 AM »
jcs:  the 788 was an economy model.  Not very pretty but it worked.  It had a different style bolt than the larger 700s did - had 9 lugs to it as I recall.  It was a strong, well made rifle.  I had one in 308 but got rid of it because I didn't care for the caliber or the rigamarole I had to go through to reload for that particular rifle.  I made mine into a 'mountain rifle' and it served me well for whenever I used it.

Many guys who have them love them and the 6mm or 243 calibers are favorites and were a popular offering.  They came in those two calibers, 308 and 30-06, as I recall.  

If the rifle is in good shape I would purchase it.  It is worth much more to you than to a dealer and it should serve you well for many years.  Mikey.

Offline Lawdog

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Vultures
« Reply #2 on: July 14, 2003, 09:56:11 AM »
I can't help you with the M788 but if I was you I would check with your local game department before shooting  another vulture.  In most areas they are protected by law.  Vulture (and also the California Condor) are classified by the Ornithological Union in the same order as storks and flamingos (Ciconiiformes).  Thus they are protected just like storks and flamingos.  Fines in many areas can reach $2,500 or more.  Check it out.  Lawdog
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Offline George Foster

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Remington Model 788 in 6mm Remington
« Reply #3 on: July 14, 2003, 11:38:26 AM »
jcsabolt2,

I have a Rem788 in a 6MM that I bought in 1976.  It has been an excellent rifle for me over the years.  The 788 has always had a reputation for very good accuracy and I have never heard of one that hasn't been accurate.  Some people who have had both a 788 and a 700 in the same caliber have said the 788 outshoots their 700.  I am on the third barrel so you can tell that I have shot it a lot.  I had a Richards Micro Fit stock fitted to it three years ago and I really like it now.  If you buy the rifle and want I can give you my favorite handloads for it.

As for the value of the 788s now I bought one this spring in 22-250 that was in about 90% condition.  This rifle was manufactured before '76 because it has the safety that locks the bolt.  I gave $300 for this rifle and the most of them I have seen go for $275 to $400.

I hope this information will help you.
Good Shooting,
George

Offline jcsabolt2

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Remington Model 788 in 6mm Remington
« Reply #4 on: July 14, 2003, 11:47:59 PM »
Lawdog,

I just checked the American Ornithologists' Union website and found nothing on vulchers.  I also checked with the US Fish and Wildlife Service http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/TESSWebpageVipListed?code=V&listings=0#B and also check ODNR's site http://www.ohiodnr.com/endangered/endangered4.htm and found absolutely nothing on vulchers at all.  If you know of a specific link please post it.
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Offline jcsabolt2

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Remington Model 788 in 6mm Remington
« Reply #5 on: July 15, 2003, 12:01:47 AM »
George,

I'd love to have your hand loads!  I'm a newbie at it at best.  I don't even have my reloading gear mounted on the bench yet.  That's because I need to build one first along with a million other things to repair.

On another note my buddy with the 788 found out last night that he's going to be a Daddy!  This is a small miracle because him and his wife have been trying to have a child for nearly 5 years now, but could not due to some medication he was taking.
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Offline Siskiyou

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Remington Model 788 in 6mm Remington
« Reply #6 on: July 15, 2003, 05:42:48 AM »
As a long time owner of a Rem. 788 I recomend it.  It is a accurate rifle.  Mine is in the .243 Win.  At the time I could have purchased one in 6MM Remington.  I tossed and turned on the choice of calibers.  As a reloader I went with the .243 because I could manufacture brass out of .308/7.62 NATO cases if needed.

I now regret not getting the 6MM Remington, because of increase case capacity.  This would provide a little bost for deer loads.  Thought it makes no difference because I load the .243 for varmits, not deer.  

I had a slight rust problem on the barrel of my rifle.  I understand that Remington did a poor job of blueing a large number of 788's.  The result was a slight rust problem.  This has been covered in other forum's.

A friends wife has taken a number of deer with the 6MM Rem.  It does a great job.  Nothing beats good bullet contruction, and proper bullet placement.

Siskiyou
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Offline Hawkeye

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Go for it..the 788 is a great rifle for the money
« Reply #7 on: July 15, 2003, 10:19:09 AM »
I have a 788 in 22-250 and my brother in law shoots a 6mm. I reload for both of them. They have a very fast lock time, good lockup of the bolt and very accurate. I'm on my second barrel on the 22-250 and went with a 1-9 twist so I could shoot the 70grn bullets. I load 100grn for the 6MM. I don't know how many deer my bnlaw has taken with the 6mm but with the scope he has, he is deadly. We have taken varmints, (4 legged kind) out to 200+ yards with his 6mm. You can get nice composite stocks for them and Mike Bryant will do a trigger job for about $50. He is in Wheeler, TX. I'm trying to but a 243 right now from a guy that keeps it in his hay truck for coyotes.

Mike

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Offline Siskiyou

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Remington Model 788 in 6mm Remington
« Reply #8 on: July 17, 2003, 12:47:36 PM »
Hawkeye:
I like the stock.  The factory stock on mine is functional and shines.  Need sunglasses on a bright day.
There is a learning process to effectively using a gps.  Do not throw your compass and map away!

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Offline kciH

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Remington Model 788 in 6mm Remington
« Reply #9 on: July 22, 2003, 06:54:31 PM »
I have a Remington 788 in 6mm, I bought it from my uncle about 10 years ago, he was the original owner and never had shot it much.  If it's in any kind of condition, it is worth $250.  Mine is very accurate and very ugly, even though it is in nearly perfect condition.  I'm thinking of selling it to help finance some other toys that I "have" to have.  Mine shoots very well even with the factory Winchester ammo, but it really shines with the Nosler BT's.  I use larger calibers for deer, but the 6mm is adequate according to many who use it for that purpose.

Offline Tbaus

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788
« Reply #10 on: August 05, 2003, 04:39:56 AM »
I have a 788 in .22-250 that is an absolute tack driver.  I don't think they are the purtiest rifle out there, but may be one of the most accurate and strong. I bought one coming on 10 years ago for $250 with a Simmons 3x9 scope. Cosmetically, it was not in perfect condition even back then. I would not hesitate to buy a 788 in 6mm for $250, in decent condition. The bonus is  you know the seller and how he treats his firearms. No surprises!  Good shootin'...

Offline Tbaus

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788
« Reply #11 on: August 05, 2003, 04:42:08 AM »
I have a 788 in .22-250 that is an absolute tack driver.  I don't think they are the purtiest rifle out there, but may be one of the most accurate and strong. I bought one coming on 10 years ago for $250 with a Simmons 3x9 scope. Cosmetically, it was not in perfect condition even back then. I would not hesitate to buy a 788 in 6mm for $250, in decent condition. The bonus is  you know the seller and how he treats his firearms. No surprises!  Good shootin'...

Offline Selmer

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Remington Model 788 in 6mm Remington
« Reply #12 on: August 10, 2003, 09:45:27 AM »
If you can get it for $250, grab it and be happy.  I have two, a .243 and a .308, dad bought the .243 in 1979 for $99 new, with a crappy scope, I bought the .308 in high school used in excellent condition for $300.  Both of them are tackdrivers and if I had to pick my most accurate rifle, it would be the .308 or .243, can't decide.  You'll love the 6mm for deer and varmints, I don't think there's a better crossover caliber for a handloader, 100 gr partitions for deer and 55 gr. Nosler BT's at 4000+ are deadly on varmints.  Have fun with it, and if you don't like it in the 6mm, be daring a rechamber it to something like a .22 CHeetah, have fun!
Selmer
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Offline 257AI

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Remington Model 788 in 6mm Remington
« Reply #13 on: August 12, 2003, 04:20:50 PM »
The 788 are very good little rifle.  At the time they quit production it was costing Remington more to produce a 788 action that it was the 700.  They have very fast locktime and this helps their accuracy.  If you get one make sure that you don't lose the magazine.  They are rare and hard to get.  I have seen them go for over 100.00.

257AI
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