My first center-fire rifle was a Rem. 788 .243. It was very accurate. Current asking prices for a 788 .243 go above $600. I sold it to a friend, bought a Ruger 77 .243, glass bedded the action, recoil lug and chamber, and free-floated the rest of the barrel. It was (is) a wonderful, very accurate rifle. I've taken a coyote, pronghorn and small mule deer buck at 400+ yards. I subsequently got two Rem. 700 BDL LH rifles in .270 Win.; and mistakenly sold one but glass bedded the more accurate one in a Brown Precision stock. It was/is a terrific hunting rifle and, if I get another chance to hunt elk, I'll will carry my .270.