Rem.788 may have been a "cheap" rifle, but all that I ever encountered were very, very
accurate. Reliable too. The "short" barrel should be 18-1/2" long.
I had a 788 chambered for 243Win. years ago when I lived in Wyoming. Used it for
antelope, mule deer, and even for varmint hunting. Accuracy was good enough for
prairie dogs out to 300-400yds. - with factory ammo too!
Check her out. If she seems in good shape it'll make a good deer rifle. Only drawback I know of these days is trying to find spare magazines. Hard to find, but they are out
there.
For magazines/parts (if needed): http://www.e-gunparts.com/