Henry Rifle Forums

Picked up an old Remington 788 in .308 off gunbroker. I'm sure it needs some attention but will post progress once it comes in.
Jake

Those were pretty amazing rifles. Had one in 6mm Remington back in the day and shot even better than my old 700.

I had one in .222 that had a birds eye maple fore end tip. It was a very accurate rifle in spite of it's rear locking bolt.

I've never owned one, but
always heard they were very accurate.
Like NCG said, could shame a 700.

RP

Bought it for a project. We'll see how it turns out.
Jake

North Country Gal wrote: ↑

Wed May 19, 2021 8:05 pm

Those were pretty amazing rifles. Had one in 6mm Remington back in the day and shot even better than my old 700.

I know our 700's shoot so that's really saying something .... looking forward to your coming reports

Had the same rifle Jake back in the early 80's. Tack driver! Don't recall why the heck I sold/traded it. Think you'll like it.

It's not going to ship until Monday. I've ordered Weaver scope mounts, a Crimson Trace scope (caught on clearance for under $300) and Warne Maxima rings. I'm going to decide to get a Boyd's stock or refinish the factory one once I see it. I'm also going to check the rifle bore, crown, etc. and deicide what if any work needs to be done there. My first venture into refurbishing an old rifle. Anxious to get started on the project.
https://www.crimsontrace.com/refurbishe ... 00100.html
Jake

we have a Crimson Trace red laser on my wife's J-frame .... its been a solid performer from day one

I don't have any 788 Remington's right now. Had several over the years and they shot as good as most 700's. Mine were all 243,22-250 and 223. I have some baby 788's now. They are model 540's, 541-S, 581 and 582's. Enjoy your 788. They are usually good shooting rifles.

Picked up the 788 yesterday. First thing to do is remove the stock, fill, sand, and stain. I used a color called cherry coral. The maker says to let dry 7 days before top coat.
Jake

nice color .... brings out the grain in the stock

This is going to be a fun build/ watch Jake. Starting off good.

Took the barrel and action out to the garage vise. I used some "pool noodle" material as a cushion and took a couple of Brownell's Lewis lead removers through it followed by the JB bore paste. Cleaned up really nice and can see the lands and grooves really well now. Squeaky clean! Next is to use the crowning cutter and carefully sweeten up the muzzle. The only issue that I "may" have is to replace the bolt stop. We'll see.
Jake

Ordered a bluing kit from Midway to touch up some of the small parts. The blue on the barrel is actually good for the age. I'll touch up the muzzle after cleaning up the crown. I also decided to order a Timney trigger for it. It has the stock trigger and the Timney comes with a new stop bolt. Kills two birds/one stone. I'll post a pics after I've finished. I'm not one for taking a lot of pics.
Jake

Timney has a good name .... I'm sure it will do a good job for you .... while we were in Texas in February we had the gunsmith who does all the work on our stuff to replace the trigger assembly of our 700 BDL .... don't know what brand he used but I do know that it has the best trigger pull of all our firearms

I cleaned up the crown on the barrel this afternoon. Waiting for the trigger and bluing.

Here's the wrap up of the project. Final sight-in target with last three in the 10X at 100 yards.
Jake

what caliber .... really great 10X shots

Great shooting and congrats on the refinish job. Looks like it was well worth the work.