Used Remington 788 in .308 or New Savage Axis in .223

Status
Not open for further replies.

AWCherry

Member
Joined
Feb 1, 2013
Messages
33
Quandry - I have the opportunity to pick up a used Remington 788 in .308 that probably has no more than 50 rounds through it. The gentleman who I would be purchasing from is also including a scope, sling, and several hundred rounds of ammo, and he's asking ~$400 for the allotment.

On the other hand, I've had my eye on the Savage Axis rifle in .223. It's a relatively inexpensive rifle with Savage's legendary out-of-the-box accuracy, I already have a scope specifically for use with a .223 (Nikon p-223 3-9x40), and roughly 1,000 rounds of ammo stockpiled (since I have a Stag Arms AR).

The primary purpose of both of these rifles would be target shooting. However, I intended to go deer hunting with my father and future father-in-law once I can get enrolled in a Hunter Safety Education Course that's required in MA to hunt. My AR is set up for short range shooting with a holographic sight, and I'd like to have something that can reach out a little bit further. Any insight and/or experience with either of these two rifles is certainly appreciated.
 
That sounds like a very good deal on the 788 Remington. Most searching you could do for the 788 will return very positive comments on accuracy but they are not much to look at. It would be a superb hunting rifle. If it truly has only 50 rounds through it, it is just now broke in and ready to start performing.
 
788 An oldie but a goodie and 308 Winchester is a proven deer caliber.223 Remington is not a good deer caliber and is not allowed in some states for deer and deer sized game.
 
Get the Remington... The .308 round is a much better hunting caliber than .223, and $400 for that package is a heck of a deal that anyone would be foolish to pass up.

As a side note, the "legendary Savage accuracy" that you speak of is not always present in the Axis line of rifles. Some of them are great shooters, some are average. Savage's great out of the box accuracy is more consistent with their 10/110 line of guns and on up.

Sent from my HTC One X
 
a used Remington 788 in .308 that probably has no more than 50 rounds through it. The gentleman who I would be purchasing from is also including a scope, sling, and several hundred rounds of ammo, and he's asking ~$400 for the allotment.
Much too good of a deal to pass up. No brainer for me.
 
I just checked the MA hunting regulations, and MA does not allow deer hunting with rifles so you won't be able to use either to hunt deer up there. They have an archery, shotgun, and muzzle loader season, though.

Just something to think on...


Sent from my HTC One X
 
I have to say the Remington also. Better hunting caliber and .308 rounds are scarce right now, but he is including rounds with the gun. The gun alone is probably worth more than $400 if the condition is good, which is expected with only 50 rounds through it.

If it were a Rem 788 and a Savage 10 in .243 or some other lighter caliber it would be a closer call.
 
I just checked the MA hunting regulations, and MA does not allow deer hunting with rifles so you won't be able to use either to hunt deer up there. They have an archery, shotgun, and muzzle loader season, though.

Just something to think on...


Sent from my HTC One X

Yes, unfortunately I was made aware of this previously. However, when my future father in law hunts deer with a rifle, he does so on a relative's property in VT. In MA he uses a shotgun with some ammo he swears is worth the $3 a round. He has yet to return home with a deer in 5+ years :what: Still a good guy though!
 
Yes, unfortunately I was made aware of this previously. However, when my future father in law hunts deer with a rifle, he does so on a relative's property in VT. In MA he uses a shotgun with some ammo he swears is worth the $3 a round. He has yet to return home with a deer in 5+ years :what: Still a good guy though!

Gotcha! Well, if you want to impress the future father in law then I would show up with a Remington 788 over a Savage Axis, it has more character and is a much better caliber for the application.

Sent from my HTC One X
 
Thanks for the replies, everyone! I called him up and am heading to his place tomorrow to see it in person. This will be my second purchase this week, thanks to the local police gun buyback that I stood outside of with a sign that said "Forget gift cards and waiting, I pay cash!" :)
 
Insight or experience? You bet! My first centerfire rifle was and still is a used 788 in 308 with a barrel that looked like a sewer pipe, but shot (still shoots) like a dream.

It aint the prettiest rifle in the world, but wow!

And those lack of looks have advantages too. The guys who recognize it at the range always admire it. And while I don't try to abuse it, when it gets scuffed or scratched in the woods, instead of making me mad, I consider the marks an addition of character.

And as for 308? Don't want to start a caliber debate, but that's a tough caliber to try and top.
 
Glad to hear it's still a workhorse!

A question to all those who decry it's aesthetics though: What makes it so ugly? I've done Google image searches on it, and the standard wooden stock model with a black barrel looks pretty normal to me. Am I missing something?
 
I am just saying that it is not fancy in the looks department, as far as shooting it will make you happy.
 
For the 788, make sure to get all available magazines for that rifle. They seem to be pretty scarce. Great purchase opportunity, good to hear your getting it.
 
I'll go along with what w9trb said. My 788 is not ugly by any stretch, she just aint the one all dolled up with fancy checkering and deep walnut. She's got that "no makeup" beauty which is actually quite atractive.
 
or how about this analogy...
She's not the flashiest or shiniest one at the dance, but when you dance with her, you don't want to let go. There's that something special about her that words just don't describe. You'll know it when you see her and hold her in your arms.

ok maybe that's a bit much, but you get the picture.
 
Ah! So the 788 has a hot older sister who buys booze for parties, as well as wants to instruct her younger sister's dates in the ways of advanced love. Fantastic!
 
788 An oldie but a goodie and 308 Winchester is a proven deer caliber.223 Remington is not a good deer caliber and is not allowed in some states for deer and deer sized game.
.223 is a great deer cartridge, and is used by kids, elderly, or those who are recoil sensitive.

I've taken many deer, quite large, with .223 rem. .308 may be "better", but 556 isn't incapable. Don't knock it if you can't try it.
 
Well again, it's primarily for targets. And I know that .308 is a pricey round to kill paper with, but I already have an AR for my .223 and while the idea of ammo compatibility is nice, I don't want to have another mouth to feed in that department. I'd likely only shoot 10-15 rounds through it per range session, and the rest would be filled with .22.

I'm now getting more and more excited for 1pm tomorrow to see it!
 
Jump on the 788! #1 the 788 is a very under rate rifle, everone I've kown that has one or had one will tell you the same. A 788 in 223 was my first center fire when I truned 9, still have it and still love to shoot it.
#2 If you plan on hunting deer the 308 is going to be the way to go, not that a 223 cann't take down a deer, but shot placement will be more important. A 30cal just pack more punch down range. And as said above some states do not let you hunt deer with a .22cal.
#3 Not that the savage is a bad rilfe at all, but call my a old fart, the 788 just looks like it should be out in the woods.
What ever you go will be a good choice, so happy shooting:)
 
model 788 and .308...two proven animals. I bought an old 788 last year in .308 and even though I got some nice newer firearms, it has become one of my favorites when I load up to go to the deer lease. Remington knew what they were doing when they discontinued the 788, the lower priced rifle was out performing the model 700s.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top