DK Firearms

Father In Law's Rifle : Remington 788 HELP!

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  • rhaas90

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    Dec 7, 2019
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    La Grange, TX USA
    My FIL's service rifle was a Remington 788 .308. He gave it to me a few years ago. It has an older wood stock and is loud as can be! It also kicks worse that my 300 win mag and he cannot handle it anymore.

    I have been looking to get a synthetic stock built for it and want to get a muzzle break. All I want to do is revamp his rifle some to make it more enjoyable to hunt. He is a disabled vet and wont use it anymore as is... I think he would appreciate being able to use it when we hunt together.


    Any suggestions?

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    candcallen

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    The 788 was a budget model they quit making in the early 80s I believe. Still, despite that most stock places like Boyd's or stickies will have plenty of options aftermarket stock wise. The comp can be done by any competent gun smith. Just turn and thread the muzzle.
     

    TxStetson

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    As stated above, it was their budget model, but it was more accurate than most of their more expensive models, which was it’s downfall. They killed it off because it was eating into the 700 sales.
     

    baboon

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    Out here by the lake!
    Ever looked at what loads he shoots in it .vs what loads are available? Could be as simple as a lighter load for it & rezearoing the scope. Wood .vs synthetic stock might add weight. Does he carry it or get parked in a stand with it? As far as a brake which one, then cost of mounting it right, moving a front sight.
    Might be time for a new rifle!
     

    HKShooter65

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    wm_9442670.jpg



    Ouch.
    Just looking at the solid plastic butt plate hurts my shoulder.


    I'd also definitely point you differently as above.
    The muzzle brake will cost a pretty penny and make it way louder.
    "Way louder" can subjectively make shooting is less pleasant.
    Personally I'm more muzzle blast adverse than I am recoil sensitive.

    https://www.amazon.com/LimbSaver-AirTech-Slip-Recoil-Medium/dp/B00LDPLYQU/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1HDXFJFWWV5KF&dchild=1&keywords=limbsaver+recoil+pad&qid=1575850154&sprefix=limbsaver,aps,170&sr=8-2
    For $15 to $30 bucks on Amazon Prime.
    Can't go wrong.
     

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    Glenn B

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    My FIL's service rifle was a Remington 788 .308. He gave it to me a few years ago. It has an older wood stock and is loud as can be! It also kicks worse that my 300 win mag and he cannot handle it anymore.

    I have been looking to get a synthetic stock built for it and want to get a muzzle break. All I want to do is revamp his rifle some to make it more enjoyable to hunt. He is a disabled vet and wont use it anymore as is... I think he would appreciate being able to use it when we hunt together.


    Any suggestions?

    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
    Look at what you wrote and read it again carefully. I say that being an old timer myself who owns some guns that are dear to me and with the following in mind:

    I am guessing since this was your father-in-law's service rifle - it may be dear to him. Yet you are saying you want to do this or that to it to essentially make it easier and more pleasurable for him to shoot. You said that with no mention of whether or not you asked him beforehand what he thought about you making modifications to it. In fact, you said it seemingly as if it is a foregone conclusion, in your mind, that you modifying it will be acceptable to him. Did you ask him? If not, then my suggestion is - ask him before doing anything at all to it.
     

    rhaas90

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    La Grange, TX USA
    Look at what you wrote and read it again carefully. I say that being an old timer myself who owns some guns that are dear to me and with the following in mind:

    I am guessing since this was your father-in-law's service rifle - it may be dear to him. Yet you are saying you want to do this or that to it to essentially make it easier and more pleasurable for him to shoot. You said that with no mention of whether or not you asked him beforehand what he thought about you making modifications to it. In fact, you said it seemingly as if it is a foregone conclusion, in your mind, that you modifying it will be acceptable to him. Did you ask him? If not, then my suggestion is - ask him before doing anything at all to it.
    He gave it to me so that I would use it. It's one of those that sits in the safe and I shoot it occasionally, but dont LIKE shooting it. I try to take him hunting a few times a year, and he always talks about how he wishes he could still shoot that gun without beating the #%* out of his shoulder. We have discussed modifying the weapon some in order to get it back into his hands. It is a sentimental piece, but it also doesnt need to just sit because nobody wants to mess with it. He's on board for sure! I appreciate the concern, as it is important.

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    Glenn B

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    By the way, I just happen to have a Remington recoil pad. I got it in a lot of other items for which I had the high bid at an auction, it looks new, or little used, to me. Dimensions below. If you think it will fit, it is yours for $7.90 Priority Mail small box postage.

    4 13/16" long on side that joins buttstock, 3 1/8 or 3 3/16 center of hole to center of hole on same side just mentioned, 11/16" center of bottom hole to edge on same side mentioned, same size at top hole.
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    sucker76

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    Lake Jackson
    Going to try upgrading the butt pad first... also, recoil reduced loads.

    Does anyone here hunt with reduced loads?

    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

    I don't hunt with reduced recoil load but I bought a box of 30-06 to try for my daughter and didn't notice any real recoil difference. I suggest just getting a good hunting load that shoots well in the gun.
     

    HKShooter65

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    ...I am guessing since this was your father-in-law's service rifle - it may be dear to him. Yet you are saying you want to do this or that to it to essentially make it easier and more pleasurable for him to shoot......


    Great point.

    What does HE want you to do?
    I think my suggestion to get a Limbsaver rubber pad was predicated on not altering HIS rifle.

    Should be job-1 to find out.

    .308s are loud. A brake will worsen that.
    .308s recoil. Damn you, Issac Newton!!!
     

    Lonesome Dove

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    A lot of people use reduced loads due to they are usually more accurate. Some will argue this and it all depends on firearm. I have a couple different rifles that shoot lesser loads far better. I go for accuracy over anything else.
     

    just country

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    Dec 9, 2019
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    morning. I have owned 6 788's in 243's. very accurate. stock is ugly,
    triggers not bad. I did shoot 1 in 308. not bad. try the sierra 130gr.
    and barnes 135gr TTSX. both bullets r very accurate. I would
    keep the rifle. justme gbot tum. justme god-bless our troops-
    thank-u-much.
     

    ZX9RCAM

    Over the Rainbow bridge...
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    morning. I have owned 6 788's in 243's. very accurate. stock is ugly,
    triggers not bad. I did shoot 1 in 308. not bad. try the sierra 130gr.
    and barnes 135gr TTSX. both bullets r very accurate. I would
    keep the rifle. justme gbot tum. justme god-bless our troops-
    thank-u-much.

    Welcome to the Forum!
     
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