Remington 788 in .308

[Darksideblues42]

So I just found out that I am inheriting my Grandfather's Remington 788 in .308 along with a 60's vintage scope.

This was his harvesting rifle. He took deer, mule deer, and elk with it.

Anyone have any caveats or insights into what to look for/look out for? I won't have it in hand until the end of July, but wanted to see what I need to look out for so I can pass it along to the next generation.

 

[Zappa]

I had one of those in the mid 80's (also in .308), I bought it used at the old Ivanhos in Watertown.
It functioned and shot reasonably well, it was nothing fancy, just a solid hunting rifle that worked, and you wouldn't be too upset if it got rained on or if it got scratched out in the woods.
I traded it away a long time ago, but I do remember that the magazine was sometimes finicky to remove and rattled around a bit.
However, you weren't limited to 5 round mags because 10 rounders were available for it.

Remington Model 788: First-Rate Budget Rifle - RifleShooter

Remington's “Economy” rifle was actually a well-built and accurate gun.

www.rifleshootermag.com

 

[paul73]

So I just found out that I am inheriting my Grandfather's Remington 788 in .308 along with a 60's vintage scope.

This was his harvesting rifle. He took deer, mule deer, and elk with it.

Anyone have any caveats or insights into what to look for/look out for? I won't have it in hand until the end of July, but wanted to see what I need to look out for so I can pass it along to the next generation.

so, read that and even with a grain of salt - i would avoid extra hot loads in it. modern .308 that modern AR10s can handle may not be suitable for old 1960s .308 actions.

Remington 788 in .308 - The Firing Line Forums

Remington 788 in .308 The Art of the Rifle: General

thefiringline.com

 

[PatMcD]

so, read that and even with a grain of salt - i would avoid extra hot loads in it. modern .308 that modern AR10s can handle may not be suitable for old 1960s .308 actions.

Remington 788 in .308 - The Firing Line Forums

Remington 788 in .308 The Art of the Rifle: General

thefiringline.com

Naaaa. The 788 is good to go with any 308 load you could cook up. 9 locking lugs, plenty of steel.
1960's, in the grand scheme of firearm "modernity", is not at all old.

 

[Qwikdraw45]

I had one in the 90's, but in .223. Super accurate. It came with a fixed 4X scope with a German post reticle. I used to shoot golf balls off of fence posts. They have a reputation for being very accurate, although if they are anything like the 600 Mohawk (in .308) it will feel like a mule is kicking your shoulder.