Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Remington 600 vs 788

If you were considering a rifle chambered in 222 Remington and your two choices were the Remington 600 and 788, which would you choose and why?

What are you planning to do with the rifle that you buy?

600s have 18.5" barrels, so the package is short and handy.

788s in 222 have 24" barrel, so the package is a little longer and heavier.

I had a 660 in 222 and thought that it was a great walking varmint rifle and also for calling predators.

I've had a few 788s and they were accurate, but a little heavier than I wanted for a walking varmint rifle. I shot a few 'chuck with a 788 in 22-250 when I was in high school, but preferred the 660 as my shots most came along the edges of small hay fields where 150 yards would be a long shot.

Pass twin locking lugs. Hint..............

I have both which came through the shop and I am thinking about keeping one. The 788 weighs 7lb 9 oz without anything while the 600 weighs 6lb 10 oz without anything. I am leaning towards the 600 because of it's lightweight and balance. The only thing which worries me is the 18.5" barrel. How loud is it going to be and what about muzzle blast and flash. I remember firing a 600 in 243 many years ago and it was very accurate, but also quite loud. I suppose I could handload it and take advantage of some smaller charges of faster burning powder. Thoughts?

I understand. I am a bit traditional and old fashioned in my gun choices.

I had a 660 chambered for the 222 and it was noticeably louder than a 24" barreled Rem 700 in 223. The 600 went down the road and hasn't been replaced yet.

The 788 will need adjustment screws added to the trigger. Or an aftermarket one installed. I’d bet it would be more accurate as well partially due to its weight.

788

Fortunately, my choices aren’t limited to either of those cheap rifles. Not saying they don’t shoot, but like the Savage 340, they’re built to a price, a low price.

I’ll take a two-lug Sako, vintage not critical. After that, a properly tricked-out Howa Mini, the SS Oz version please, or one of the CZ minis, or other scaled-down ones from Yurrup.

Other than turn-bolts, a nice Low Wall or trim kipplauf.

You’re in a pretty good position to score a nice one, so don’t rush yourself. If you just can’t wait, the 600 and good plugs.

I have a 788 in .30-30, and really like the rifle. However, I'd go for the 600 in this case. Small parts can be hard to find if they break for the 788, I have a spare extractor squirreled away on my GS recommendation.

That is my one concern with the 600.

I added adjustment screws to my 581 and as I understand it is the same trigger group, so that wouldn't be a problem. I would expect it to be more accurate too. Although the stock on this 788 is not free floated while this 600 is free floated. Did the 788's have a free floated stock?

I would love to find a two lug Sako like a L461 or A1. They are bringing crazy money right now though. I may try the 600 for awhile. I want something nice to carry for fall turkey season.

The only thing besides the short barrel I don't like are the plastic triggerguard/floorplate and the way the magazine, magazine block, follower, and follower spring have to be oriented to get the rifle back together. You almost need three hands or have gorilla strength in your fingers. I ended having to take a piece of fishing line to wrap around and to compress the follower and follower spring to keep it in place while I assembled the rifle. I then cut the fishing line and pulled it out. I also ordered an aluminum replacement triggerguard from Willie @ Coquille Valley Machine Works who is a member here on the 'fire. It looks like a quality piece and makes me lean harder this way too.

The 600 is essentially a 700 with an abbreviated bridge and tang. It is strong and rigid. The 788 is an exercise in cheapness which worked out surprisingly well. I can make something out of a 600. A 788 is always a 788. GD

I've really liked the 600's and 660's I have experience with moreso than the one 788 I've used

Does anyone know if the screw/pin in the stock needs to be there or can it be removed/filed? I noticed the trigger housing is hitting it.

I also noticed that the 600 was part of trigger recall. Does anyone know what the problem was for it? The safety lever on this one locks the bolt. Is that the problem which was changed?

I can see what you mean. Another goal of mine was to find an action capable of being changed to a 17 Fireball. With the mag loaded I can feed all the rounds.

Good point about parts.