Remington 788 (243)

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ShootMore

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I just got a Remington 788 in 243 yesterday, traded a Glock for it. I shot it twice to check the zero on it at about 75 Yards, it did well. With the rifle, a leather sling, 40 rounds of PMC ammo, and a Bushnell "Sportsman" Variable zoom scope. I really like this gun, not sure if the trigger has been worked on, but it has no creep, is a little heavy but very short and crisp squeeze. The rifling and bluing in about 80% condition. The wood I would rate about about 65-70%. Should I buy a new stock or refinish the current one? I only intend to shoot for fun with it, but it might end up in the woods at least once. I was considering applying camouflage pattern cloth tape to it... is this blasphemous? :D Any other recommendations?
 
Remington 788's are universally great rifles. I have owned several over the years and all have been very accurate.

From what you describe, if its going to be a keeper, I would refinish the stock. Later on consider having the metal re-finished as well. I am not a huge fan of any "spray on" finish. I like the traditional hot bluing process and that is what I would do. Conversely I also like Parkerization on a hard working field rifle and that may be an option.

No doubt you will be happy with your purchase.

Regards,

Rob
 
Ugly as sin, cheap as hell

Yet, highly accurate and well regarded by collectors and shooters. You did well.
 
One problem:

Shoot More--You'll have to imagine the pic of the Gunny here: "Son, you forgot to post pictures of your new weapon!!"

And my next question, always, "How's she shoot??"
 
Did great for what a little I have fired. I am new to TFL, I assume to post pictures I have to find an image hosting page and paste the link?
 
I have a 223 and a 308. Hated the Beech stocks, so put RamLine on both. The 243 will be a great fun, vermin, and deer rifle. Put a better scope on it. The Weaver and Redfield scopes are a couple steps up and not much more in price.
 
If I only intend to shoot around 300m or less, how much magnification do I need? I am partial to fixed magnification scopes, would this be less than ideal for this gun? Fixed 6x or somewhere around there?
 
No a scout scope would not work well. If this is mainly gonna be a "fun" rifle that you won't hunt with much, a higher magnification scope, like a 6-24x or anywhere in that range would be appropriate. Magnification (as long as you have clarity with it) is your friend when shooting targets. If you want a scope that's good for hunting, a 3-9x40 is great out to 300 yards. Anything more can be too much on those close range shots.
 
Pix...

Shoot More--Open a "Reply to Thread." Below the blank where you type you will find "Additional Options," one of which is to "Attach Files." Have the picture in question on your desktop. Click the button, "Manage Attachments," follow the directions, and you attach the file (that is, the picture in question) directly from your desktop to the Reply. Very easy. Avoids an image hosting page or any of that folderol.
 
Scout would not be worth the trouble of installing a mounting platform. A Weaver 4x sits on my 308. It has a 38mm bell and 5 inches of eye relief.
 
I have a roll of that camp cloth tape, I like it. Doesn't mess up the gun at all, and it's reusable. Can't hurt I guess
 
I've got 2 788's (.243 and .308) and love them. Actually looking for a .44mag version. A scout mount would not be worth the effort for these rifles. I've got a 3-9x52 Redfield Revenge on my .308 that works well to the 300 yard range. I would not hesitate to put another one on my .243 as well. I do recommend a trigger upgrade. Mostly due to the safety on these rifles will wear out and get weak. I've got Timney's on both and they are very easy to install. Enjoy.
 
I had a .243 about 39 years ago and sold it to a roommate. I still have a .223 which I have glass bedded. I shortened the buttstock and refinished the stock. With a Bushnell 3 x 9 it is a MOA shooter (even with the original factory trigger.) My recollection is two factors account for the accuracy reputation of the 788. First, the barrel is fairly large diameter and, therefore, very stable and accurate. Second, although the trigger pull is not good, the lock time (the time from trigger pull to firing pin striking the primer) is very short.
 
In the early 1970s when I had my gun shop in Indiana the 788 was the most popular rifle of the day. Accurate and inexpensive. I thought it was a great combo. Most popular round (in that part of country) was 22-250. However, the 788 does not retain value. For whatever reason they can be bought inexpensively and you cannot get a big price when trying to resell. I wouldn't put much investment into cosmetics for it. It is a user not a show piece.
 
Paid $100 for a "pre-owned" .243 M788 back in 1979. That thing will flat shoot. I looked in to replacing the trigger years ago and was told nobody made one. I will have to check in to that again as the factory trigger is marginal. Never been a fan of the .243 for deer, but have shortened the life span of a few prairie poodles and misc. other varmints. Nice paper puncher too. Congrats.
 
From what I have read around the net, Timney makes a kit complete with safety and is a drop in part. As far as retaining value, I'm not saying you're wrong but a lot of other people seem to think they appreciate in value as time goes on. I don't know either to be fact, but I do know that I don't be finding out. Mine is not for sale. :p
 
Well, sort of. I paid $104 for my 308 LH in 1972. They've posted consistently for 450-500 on Gun Broker for the past several years, depending on the condition. A 30-30 or 44 Mag will go much higher.
 
Let me see. You got a decent utility rifle that works well and is accurate. Then you want to spend time and money on refinishing it so you can cover it up with camo-tape. Sheesh!

Jim
 
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