Older Rem 788 vs Newer Rem 700

[Edge]

I'm wanting to get a low priced bench rifle and of course get the best accuracy for the buck. I'm reading a lot of good things about the various versions of the Remington 700, but I'm also reading in a few places that the Remington 788 was discontinued because it was cheaper but more accurate than the 700. I'm assuming these are the 700's of the same era, about 20 - 30 years ago.

So my question is, does anyone know how a 788 compares with the modern 700? I'm looking for .308 info, but if someone has an opinion on a different caliber I'm willing to listen.

[FMJBT]

The 788's have a lot of features that set them apart from the 700's. The bolt locks in the rear, and has a short 60 degree throw. This is a similar setup to the old Enfield SMLE's, and makes for a lightning fast bolt cycle. The receiver is also closed along the top, with just a small ejection port rather than the wide open action of the 700. Combined with the small cutout for it's single stack magazine, this makes for a very rigid action.

It does have some negatives though. The rear locking design is prone to bolt compression when using high pressure cartridges, which can lead to headspace issues and a reduced operational lifespan for the rifle. The bolt handles are also prone to breaking off when excess force is needed to cycle the action. From what I have read, they were only silver soldered to the bolt bodies rather than brazed.

[Ford8N]

Another problem the 788 had was the extractor. It's just a small hardened ring inside the bolt face. They sometimes would break then you were SOL as Remington quit making that part. But I have been told someone is making an after market part. I used to have one in .223 that I picked up at Big 5. I always remember it was $245 out the door, no ten day wait either to give you the time frame. It was the most accurate bolt gun I have ever owned. It was a really plain jane birch stock with a 24" barrel but when I found the right load it did it's job. I'm not bragging but it would consistently do 3/8ths with 50 gr Hornady SX's over some IMR4198. It was a squirrel popping machine. I don't know how the other calibers are for accuracy but mine worked great.

[Fjold]

The other thing about the 788 is that it has a faster locktime than the 700 which also helps the accuracy.

Jim Wisner has a bunch of 788 parts that he manufactures.

[Edge]

I'm very new to the scene, but am doing a lot of research. I'm reading about free floating barrels, rigid bull barrels, twist rates, etc. A lot of features that the 788 doesn't have, or at least isn't talked about.

I'm seeing 788 in the $500 range, but I'm seeing some of the newer 700's in the same range as well, maybe a little higher.

At $500 is a 788 in .308 a better deal than say a 700 20" tactical at $600?

[wcnones]

If you are going to go with an older Remy to build a precision rifle, consider the 721 and 722 models. Both actions/receivers are nearly identical to the current 700 setup, making it easier to find aftermarket stocks.

I found a 721 at Costa Mesa this weekend; guy wanted $250 for it, but said I needed a C&R to walk away with it. It was built in '62 but I wasn't going to argue with him.

[Edge]

I don't really want to build one up. I don't have that kind of expertise or the money to have it done for me. I just want something that's going to shoot accurately at distance at a reasonable price.

I guess describing myself as wanting to get a bench rifle isn't completely accurate, since I won't be doing competition shooting. But I'd like to have something accurate to at least 300 yds.

[dfletcher]

The 788 trigger is not readily adjustable, the Rem 700 (even the X trigger) is adjustable. As much as I like the old 788 - in 22-250 it was my 1st "wow I can sure shoot far" rifle - I'd say even if it's +$100.00 more get the 700.

And I think you should be able to score a 788 for anywhere from $350.00 up to just over $450.00. I know they've increased a bit, but I think $500.00 is a bit on the proud side for the average 788.

[B Strong]

I'd take the 788.

One of my best shooters is based on a 788, and the base rifle with scope was 350.00 - I put another 500.00 into it (not including optics) and it shoots as well as my FN A3G does, at least until the barrel on the 788 gets hot.

[sickboy774]

More parts available for the 700. I have both and use the 788 in .308 as a loaner for friends.

[Edge]

More parts available for the 700. I have both and use the 788 in .308 as a loaner for friends.

So, which 700 model do you have, and how do the two rifles compare for accuracy?

I don't really see myself shooting so much that I wear the thing out, so the availability of replacement parts isn't a huge factor for me.

[FMJBT]

As a rifle to build up, I think the 788 is possibly capable of more accuracy than a comprable build on a 700 receiver, simply because of the faster lock time and more rigid construction. In stock condition though, I'd have to go with the 700. Most modern production 700's should shoot as well as the older 788's, and there won't be any of the potential reliability issues with the newer rifle either.

You could just side step the issue altogether and get a Tikka.....