I finally got one! 788, 30/30

[Brother_Love]

It came with a little bad news but I am still tickled. First of all the scope is junk or maybe not after a good cleaning, it is a Japanese Tasco.

Some bedded the action and barrel. I’m not too happy about the barrel bedding but I am going to try shooting it before I scrape it out.

The front action screw has been broken and shortened and only 3-4 threads engage the screw hole. I can get a new screw but I don’t think I can get the broken portion out.

Some attached the scopebade with a 2’ cheater and red Loctite so I will have to figure out a solution there.

Overall the rifle has been shot and carried a lot but after cleaning no rust or pitting. I walked out of the shop with it for $325 and still feel good about it. It was made in 1967.

This weekend I will see how it shoots.

 

[Ian]

If they'd put a pillar in that screw hole it would have been perfect. I bet it shoots fine the way it is, but if you decide to float the barrel and pillar bed it correctly I can make you a pillar to the size you need in a jiffy. Japanese Tascos have been some of the best cheap scopes I've ever used, so unless that one is totaled for some reason it should serve you fine.

Heat will defeat high-strength threadlocker, takes a good soak at about 250-300F and sloooooowwwwly ease the screw out. A soldering iron directly on the screw head typically works, but be patient.

 

[Brother_Love]

Thanks Ian, I got the screws out. I’m going to see how it shoots the way it is. I’d love it if it were to shoot just as it is.

 

[Spindrift]

What a nice looking rifle that is!
I wouldn’t be surprised either, if it works perfectly well just the way it is. Good luck, and keep us posted on your experience with it!

 

[Rick H]

I own two 788's both lefties....a 308 and 6mm Rem. both are keepers, both have been restocked. Enjoy yours.

 

[Chris]

Nice rifle and I think a bargain, congratulations. I agree with others, in my experience those Jap Tasco's are ok.

 

[Uncle Grinch]

You did better than good! Those 788’s are amazingly accurate. I’ve got one in 7mm-08.

 

[waco]

Very nice! A guy I work with wants to sell me his. I think $500 would get it home.

 

[fiver]

325$ is savage 340 territory around here.
I remember being able to buy a Ruger 77mk-2 for 325.

if the reticle ain't broke in that Tasco I'd use it.

 

[Will]

I’m definitely jealous. I really would like a good bolt gun in 30-30.

Good find. Congratulations enjoy!

 

[Cherokee]

In spite of issues, looks like a good deal. Enjoy !!

 

[Ben]

I really do enjoy mine.
I hope you will also !

Ben

https://www.artfulbullet.com/index.php?threads/range-trip-remington-788-30-30-win.3004/

 

[Brad]

Like the holy grail of cast bullet guns. Great buy, I am jealous.

 

[Brandon]

A 788 in 308 win earned me a new toolbox for my truck.

I had warned my buddy about resting that short barreled rifle over it, and he made one heck of a hole through the lid and side.

He did at least pay for the new toolbox.

I like the 788s, I'd really like one in 358.

 

[Rick H]

I wonder if the Magazine would handle/feed them. Having my .308 rebored and rechambered to .358 W intrigues me. I love that cartridge.

 

[35 shooter]

Nice looking rifle....would love to have one of those.

 

[Ireload2]

To show you how time has changed things.
About 1970 I bought (2) 788s from different stores.
One was a new .44 Mag for $65 the other was a .used 30-30 for $69.

 

[Brother_Love]

Is the 30/30 considered short or long action? I have found info that calls it both. Some scope mounting charts call it long and others short.
Thanks

 

[Ireload2]

There were 3 lengths. Most people don't know about the super short .44 Mag version.
The mid length was .30-30 , .22-250, .222 and .223.

The long action was .308, .243 and 6mm.

 

[Brother_Love]

There were 3 lengths. Most people don't know about the super short .44 Mag version.
The mid length was .30-30 , .22-250, .222 and .223.

The long action was .308, .243 and 6mm.

Thank you!