So,what does everyone have their scope mounted in on their 788?

Weaver bases and Burris Zees. The rear base is fastened with only one screw so it is also bedded to the receiver with JB Weld.

I've had a one-piece standard base, two-piece Weaver bases, and now a one-piece EGW rail. I've used the Burris Zees but am currently using Leupold Riflemans to get it a little lower than the Zees.

EGW with Leupold PRW's...

Weaver bases and Warne Maxima rings.

Otter6;
Good evening to you sir, hopefully this finds you well.

On the three 788's that I've worked on my standard procedure was to glue both the front and rear Weaver base down with 5 minute epoxy.

I degrease the action and bases with white gas typically - if you're so inclined one can take a small metal cut off wheel with a Dremel and cross hatch the bottom of the aluminum base for good measure too.

When I glue them down I don't really want to glue the 6-48 retaining screws in, just glue the base onto the action, so I'll clean out the screw holes with a cotton swab before installing them.

On my good wife's little carbine they've not moved in more than two decades and as far as I've heard the other two are still holding as well.

Hopefully that made sense and was helpful sir. Good luck whichever way you decide.

Dwayne

Thanks fellas. Much appreciated.

Redfield 1pc. steel base with Redfield rings.

As I've mentioned before, I got my .222 788 the week they hit the market in 1967. No one was making a base for them at the time. I mentioned it to a guy I met and he told me the shop where he worked had a bunch of bases modified at a machine shop to work on the 788's. I got right over there and bought one. I think they were originally a base for 721's with a little milling machine work, but I'm not sure. In any case, it worked and has not been off the rifle since 1967.

I'm using the old Redfield 1 pc base and windage rear, dovetail front rings.

One of mine had an unknown one piece base, most likely a Weaver, and Weaver Quad Locks. The other has an EGW picatinny and PRWs.

Too bad Talley doesn't make a lightweight for the 788.

Now there's an idea. You should contact them...

I did. Ill have to add a hole in the bridge,but they think they have a pair that will work. Ill let you know how it works out.

If it is weight and not aesthetics that concerns you, Aluminum Weaver bases and Weaver hooked top strap rings would not weight that much more. Plus, the Weaver system is hell-for-stout. Add quick detachability/return to zero and low cost, it is worth considering. Weaver rings are so ubiquitous and under-appreciated they can be bought often for 5 bucks a set on the used market. Usually in like new condition. I don't think that I have paid any more than that for the last 10-15 sets purchased.