Hello Fellow Shooters,
I am seeking knowledge from individuals with experience shooting, gun smithing and modifying the classic Remington Model 788. I am currently trying to work my way into long range shooting. However, the only rifle I own that would be up to par for ringing steel at a far range is my old Remington Model 788 chambered in .243 Win. This rifle has been in my possession for over 20 years and still fires true. So, currently I am strategizing whether to pull the trigger and modify the rifle as I always planned when I was younger, or should I just buy a new rifle all together?
Here is the method to my madness. There is a gun club not far from where I live with a 1200 yard rifle range; they hold monthly precision competitions and I would love to work my way up to being a potential competitor. My max range I have ever had success was about 400 yards (this occurred once). Therefore, I feel maybe modifying 788 and working my way up to longer distances would maybe be a better choice. Then over time save the money and purchase a new rifle. I have to admit, I love the 788 platform and kinda have an itch to find its limits.
Over the course of reviewing various forums and trying to find parts (good luck), I have made a small list of things I think the firearm needs and would also benefit my style of shooting. The list is as follows:
-Trigger:
I have always struggled with keeping good accuracy with the stock trigger. Mine has about a 10lb pull; you have to squeeze the hell out of it to fire. I'm not sure if this has occurred from the original make of the rifle, or just the woes of time. To combat this issue, I would love to put a Timney Trigger on the rifle, and have a much lighter trigger pull that would accommodate to my liking.
-Optics:
Currently the rifle is equipped with a 20yo Bushnell Scope, that shockingly enough has stood the test of time and was putting lead on target at the range a month ago, when I decided to knock the dust off of the 788. I'm looking into the Vortex line of optics, as they have good optics for good prices. I feel this is most definitely the first thing the rifle needs if I plan to shoot more frequently with it.
-Stock:
This is the point in the conversation where some people wish they could back hand me. I'm going to say it. I hate the factory stock. Just my perspective and liking. I have found salvation in Boyd Stocks whom seem to keep a small line up of selections for the 788. I know there is a member on this forum that cut out a blank for his 788 that looks nice. I'm lucky to whittle a spear at my best and am not sure how well my skill with wood would take me.
-Barrel:
This is going to be more of a seeking of advice on two topics. The first being if anyone has suggestions on where to purchase a nice bull barrel of the 788 that will not break the bank? I have not been too lucky in this avenue of research and there are people with knowledge of companies I have never known about.
To build on this topic. I have a short action 788 and while I feel the .243 is a great round. I have come across a couple forums where people have mentioned swapping out the chambering to a .224 Valkarie or 6.5 Creedmoore. Would anyone be able to advise further on this notion?
I am seeking knowledge from individuals with experience shooting, gun smithing and modifying the classic Remington Model 788. I am currently trying to work my way into long range shooting. However, the only rifle I own that would be up to par for ringing steel at a far range is my old Remington Model 788 chambered in .243 Win. This rifle has been in my possession for over 20 years and still fires true. So, currently I am strategizing whether to pull the trigger and modify the rifle as I always planned when I was younger, or should I just buy a new rifle all together?
Here is the method to my madness. There is a gun club not far from where I live with a 1200 yard rifle range; they hold monthly precision competitions and I would love to work my way up to being a potential competitor. My max range I have ever had success was about 400 yards (this occurred once). Therefore, I feel maybe modifying 788 and working my way up to longer distances would maybe be a better choice. Then over time save the money and purchase a new rifle. I have to admit, I love the 788 platform and kinda have an itch to find its limits.
Over the course of reviewing various forums and trying to find parts (good luck), I have made a small list of things I think the firearm needs and would also benefit my style of shooting. The list is as follows:
-Trigger:
I have always struggled with keeping good accuracy with the stock trigger. Mine has about a 10lb pull; you have to squeeze the hell out of it to fire. I'm not sure if this has occurred from the original make of the rifle, or just the woes of time. To combat this issue, I would love to put a Timney Trigger on the rifle, and have a much lighter trigger pull that would accommodate to my liking.
-Optics:
Currently the rifle is equipped with a 20yo Bushnell Scope, that shockingly enough has stood the test of time and was putting lead on target at the range a month ago, when I decided to knock the dust off of the 788. I'm looking into the Vortex line of optics, as they have good optics for good prices. I feel this is most definitely the first thing the rifle needs if I plan to shoot more frequently with it.
-Stock:
This is the point in the conversation where some people wish they could back hand me. I'm going to say it. I hate the factory stock. Just my perspective and liking. I have found salvation in Boyd Stocks whom seem to keep a small line up of selections for the 788. I know there is a member on this forum that cut out a blank for his 788 that looks nice. I'm lucky to whittle a spear at my best and am not sure how well my skill with wood would take me.
-Barrel:
This is going to be more of a seeking of advice on two topics. The first being if anyone has suggestions on where to purchase a nice bull barrel of the 788 that will not break the bank? I have not been too lucky in this avenue of research and there are people with knowledge of companies I have never known about.
To build on this topic. I have a short action 788 and while I feel the .243 is a great round. I have come across a couple forums where people have mentioned swapping out the chambering to a .224 Valkarie or 6.5 Creedmoore. Would anyone be able to advise further on this notion?
