Thread: Next project - Reviving the REM 788 in 222

I also have an unfinished Powlonia carbon fibre stock inletted and bedded for the 308 action. It needs a good sand and another coat or two of epoxy. I didn’t like how it came out thickness wise so it’s been sitting waiting to get finished.

I was keeping the stock in case I ever decided to sell the rifle to keep it original, but I have already cut and suppressed the barrel so that’s out.

Originally Posted by Barry the hunter

yeah keep it original one point i notice though is that it appears that it has had a coat of varnish over it - could be wrong but it looks like it - be careful sanding - those stocks from factory were heavily stained - the original beech is very very pale so if you sand back you will need a stain to get it to look like anything original

Definitely hard and shiny. Refinishing these birch stocks can be a trial and if not done correctly you end up with blotching as per my 22-250 which I’m in the process of redoing.

@Delphus can you please upload a photo of the topside inletting with tape as well and I’ll do some comparisons. Thanks.

Tape held in the same place for all photos. Moved the camera to get a more exact view

There are at least 3 788 receivers. Short and long, and Ultra Short

When ordering a new stock you have to be careful. These action distances are what decides your stock size at Boyd's for example.

For whatever reason Remington caused alot of pain with the naming conventions in these rifles.

Long Action, 243 and .308 Winchesters measured 6-9/16 inches.
Short Action, 222/233, 22-250 Remington, and .30-30 Winchester measured 6-5/16 inches
Ultra Short Action, (44 Mag) action measured 5-5/8 inches

Yep, and some interesting caliber choices. Add 7mm08 and 6mmRem as well. I wonder if the reason there were none chambered in the more popular 270 or 30-06 was because it might take sales from the M700 line. I like the 2’s but a 6mm would be an interesting one to have. Not that I know a lot about the cartridge or whether it was chambered in any another rifle that came to nz?

Originally Posted by Sidetrack

Yep, and some interesting caliber choices. Add 7mm08 and 6mmRem as well. I wonder if the reason there were none chambered in the more popular 270 or 30-06 was because it might take sales from the M700 line. I like the 2’s but a 6mm would be an interesting one to have. Not that I know a lot about the cartridge or whether it was chambered in any another rifle that came to nz?

Yup, was chambered in the short action 700. Would have been nice in the long action 700 just so you could seat some of the newer heavier boolits out a bit further. A 6mm Rem with a fast twist barrel and a slightly longer mag box than a SA would certainly hold its own with all the fancy new 6's we're seeing lately.

@Delphus I got around to checking some dimensions on the stock. I have exactly 200mm from the front edge of the recoil lug to the centre of the rear action screw. About 172-173 between the screws. Doesn’t look a lot of difference and there’s plenty of meat in the stock to accommodate the slightly longer or shorter action.

This week sent away 100 rounds of triple deuce for a 788. 55gr Sierra GMK with BM2. Mate says its a honey load. Loves the rifle which has been in the family from his father.