I've got a 788 in 7mm08 with a cheap Ramline synthetic stock and a Bushnell 3X9 scope. I've got another 7mm08 and a 308 in Model 7's. Every one of these three rifles will shoot sub MOA with hunting ammo. I'm really intrigued with the idea of having a 358 Win and think that of the three rifles, the best choice would be to make the 788 into a 358 Win. Has anyone any experience with this and what kind of things should I be aware of such as what kind of modifications need to be made to the detachable clip and so on. Thanks for the heads up!

Super,
This should be a quick rebarrel. when browning made blr's in 243/308/358 they all used the same clips.

Since 358 is STILL my favorite hunting round in north armerica, i have thought long and hard about building one on a 788.

It should deliver SURPRISING accuracy, btw.

let us know how it goes
jeffe

There would be no problem with it andit would be unique but I think I would be more inclined to make the 358 on the model 7 just because I think the M7 is a better basis for a hunting rifle than a 788. Regards, Bill.

A switch barrel M788 in those two calibers would be very nice. Just a thought for what its worth.

Super88 -you got a PM.

If you have plenty of money then ok but you will still have a 788 when it's finished and not a fine action.

It makes no sense to take off a barrel on any gun that shoots well and is for a popular cartridge.

The .358 Win is my favorite woods cartridge also but I see them for sale all made up in nice guns.

You don't "need" a .358 Win. You just "want" one. Think this out.

I wonder why Kimber does not chamber for this cartridge? Why don't you .358 fans email them on this?

Myself, I have three rifles in that caliber now and I can only shoot one at a time!

Winchester lists the .358 Win in it's 2002 catalog as a custom rifle. I am not sure what it costs but if it's $1500 and you get a really fine gun it might be a good deal fun and money wise. For sure a old M70 in that caliber will go for that or more but that's a collector.

Search the net. Ruger made a couple of runs of M77's in .358. Woods hunters like the MK1 77 because of the handy tang safety.

It's overtime for someone to make a run of .358 Winchesters.

The only change required on the 788 will be the barrel. If your new barrel is of a differant contour then the old one, you will have to make some changes to your stock. The clip will work as is. The thing about 788's that chokes a lot of people is that they just plain out shoot guns that cost an awful lot more money, makes for a nice day at the range. I think it's a great idea (I have a half dozen 788's in various standard and wildcat calibers, they really are great rifles, especially for the price). Remember, pretty is as pretty does. - Dan

Do it ! only use a 23 in bbl. I have one made up on a Rugar 77 MKII with a shellin bbl. but I haven' picked it up from the smith yet. I also own 4 .358's all lever guns Savage 99 Win 88 and two Browning Blr's I've killed nearly 30 bears with the blr's and semi load of deer. Go to sixgunner.com and read what Paco Kelly has to say about the .358