788's
The 788's have a good reputation as accurate rifles, especially in .223 and .308 in my circles. Seeing as that rifle is something like 40 yrs old, I'd say there is a very good chance it is severely fouled, especially if in a hi-vel caliber like .223 or .243. BTW, in what caliber is this devaint 788 chambered?
I think the Rem 788 was introduced to compete/kill the Mossberg 800, which was undercutting the Rem 700 sales. When Mossberg ceased production of the 800, the 788 didn't last much longer. Savage had the 110, but it was well established and wasn't going anywhere ( and still thrives). Mossberg was new to the centerfire market, ( w/ the 800). Remington creating a competitor (the 788) to Mossberg's affordable rifle (the 800) was marketing tactics to nix a rival.
Once the Moss 800 was gone, I have no doubt that a lot of folks bought 788 because they were shooters, and more affordable than the flagship 700. At that point, Remington likely nixed the 788. Too, the Model 7 surfaced at about that time, another short action rifle, more svelte than the utilitarian 788.