788 barrels were hammer forged; just like those on 700's. I have not seen one which was not accurate; at least by hunting rifle standards. I built a Light Varmint BR rifle on a 788 and it was not quite competitive, but still beat a bunch of much more refined rifles every time I used it. The trigger wasn't great but could be set up quite well. I wish I had bought that 44 Mag in Kendrick. As it was, my wife's uncle bought it and still has it. GD
