Originally Posted By: mutthunterGood score, my favorite rifle is a 788 in 6mm rem. Just remember- Take it easy on the bolt handle. Some runs had a bad weld on the bolt handle. If you get too forceful with it, it can/might break off... Don't ask how I know this... It's not a super tough fix, but it's is a PIA, and it'll screw up a hunt pretty quick!
The real problem isn't the fact that, "Some runs had a bad weld on the bolt handle".
The problem with bolt handles on Model 788 rifles is the fact that .473" sized cartridges like the 6MM, the 243, the 22-250, and the 7MM-08, when loaded hot, will cause considerable bolt compression on the rear lugs and the bolts lock up and then the silvered soldered handles get damaged and break off.
The action is really not a strong action capable of handling high bolt face thrust cartridges due to the bolt compression issue. For the .378" cartridges with less rearward bolt thrust pressure, it works great. And most of the rifles do shoot very well.
Before the vultures swoop, I own several 788 rifles, including a 6MM Rem. I simply don't load them as hot as I might do with a forward locking lug bolt rifle, due to reality with the 788 design. And I guess I was lucky and I didn't buy one with the bolt handle problem.
But I did learn the lesson about bolt thrust directly from 22-250 cartridges that I loaded near the top and shot the cartridges in a 788 Rem years ago. Eventually excess head space resulted in the rifle. That was after I had the bolt handle reattached once. All due to excessive bolt thrust. Bad juju. I later acquired another Model 788 in 22-250, kept the loads reasonable, and I have had no problems with it.