The guy that builds my rifles has just aquired a MINT 788 Remington in 30-30. There is not a mark on the stock, nor is there any of the blueing gone from the rifle any where including the locking lugs, it even has the paper work and box with the rifle. He is wanting to rebarrel it for the 219 Donaldson Wasp, or the 219 Zipper with a 1 in 8 twist Lilja barrel. I have been trying to talk him in to just putting it in the gun safe and leaving it alone....What is some of your opinons? I agree with him there are not many of them around in P.D. towns in the Dakotas but there are not many of those rifles around like that in that kind of shape either. I would be interested to hear what you guys think

Shoot Safe, Shoot Straight......RiverRat

I saw a 788 in 30/30 at a gun show a few years back the was in excellent condition, I had the same idea. I didn't have the cash on me then but I got the seller's phone #, but I found a beater on a bulletin board that night. It's great for what I want and I didn't scrap a collectable.
MR

Sounds like an idea I had once. I think my plan called for a 219 Zipper or 219 improved. I never got around to it but remember looking for a "WELL USED" 788. I think if one found a rifle that nice he should try to preserve it. Spend time looking for a collector to buy it and use the extra money on the project starting with used 788. Just my opinion!

There was a mint one in one of the local stores here a while ago. Probably only had 10 rnds though it. I picked one up for my son 3 years ago. Lightly used but not too minty. I looked for two years before I found it. It is an earlier one with the factory walnut stock. Also was a real beater at the last show. DeHaas talks about rechambering options in his Bolt Action Rifles book for these actions - worth looking at. JP

Thank you gentleman, that is kind of my feelings as well. This rifle has a walnut stock too. It is one fine looking old 788. I hope he keeps and looks for another one. Again thanks for your replies.

Shoot Safe, Shoot Straight..........RiverRat

In my humble opinion a rifle that is is used is much more valuable than one which is stored. This being the case I wouldn't hesitate to use the 788 for a wasp. Especially if you want a Wasp that feeds etc. I am more of a user than a collector.
I just tore apart a pretty nice pre-war M70 to build a target rifle. It will get more use this way than it would in original condition so what the heck. Regards, Bill.