A friend of mine's son has a 788 in a 308. He got it for real cheap ($165 I think), and he had trouble with the bolt coming right out the back when working the action. He brought it in the get fixed and the gunsmith told him he fixed it but the bolt still feels real loose. My question is was this a common problem and if the bolt is still so wobbly is it fixed. Thanks for any info.

I had to reach over and grab mine to see. Sure nuff, when the bolt is open it is a little floopy feeling, but when it is shut it is tight as can be. Those 788's can be very accurate guns. That is a great price too, way less than half what it is worth if it is in any kind of shape at all.

thanks for the info goat I'll let him know. But I guess I screwed up he paid $240 with scope and mount. Thanks again appreciate it!

That is still a great price on that. Tell him he is a theif.

Will do. It's good to hear. I have a stevens 325 30/30 bolt and after hearing about the 788 in a 30/30 I am hoping to add another 30/30 bolt to the collection. But I'm never lucky enough to find one for a steal like most of my buddies.

I have one also in .308 and it is great. Never had any problems with it..

I bought a 788 in 30/30 caliber that was in really nice shape for 250 and sold it 6 months later for 500...lol. Id like to find a few more deals like that

Tell your friend's son that he got himself a real good deal. The 788 is a great little rifle in any caliber. I have one in 44mag., and in nearly 30 years it has never dissappointed me. I hope he enjoys his for many years to come also.