Remington 783’s - good, bad, ugly?

[r.dunn]

Hi All,

I’m disappointed to discover this forum only after I have ordered (and paid for) a Remington 783. I’m new to shooting (apart from one week of training and a qualification shoot when I was in the cadets over 15 years ago!), so was relying on the advice of my local gun shop. The 783 was one option which was presented to me (noting it wasn’t the first one I was given to look at!).

In the end, I liked the look of the MDT chasis and tactical package (included bipod and scope). I’m also a fan of the pistol grip. Plus, the reviews online (apart from this thread!) suggested it was good for the class it’s in. So, I went ahead with it...

As a new target shooter (not planing on hunting in the immediate term), I’m hoping the rifle will be accurate enough as my first rifle. I’m definitely not experienced enough to notice the types of complaints people have talked about here...so maybe it’s a good thing to learn on a not-so-great rifle! Who knows?

But, I’d be interested in recommendations for my second firearm!

[TassieTiger]

What type of target shooting are you planning? What distances??
After posting this question on the forum I too asked local shop and they confirmed everything within - said Rem having major quality issues.

[SCJ429]

All is not lost with your purchase RD. Get to know your gunsmith who can adjust your trigger and bed the action. The barrel finish can be rough and cause lots of copper fouling. Get a good copper solvent like Bore Tec Cu+ and you can lift the bore finish using bore paste or Autosol. Talk to your gunsmith if you are unfamiliar with this. It can be soul destroying for a new shooter when they can only produce five inch groups and you read about people with their stock rifles shooting 1/2 inch or better. What caliber is your Remington?

If I were a new shooter and was going to buy a rifle, I would get a Tikka Varmint in 223, put a Nightforce scope on it and learn to reload.

[bladeracer]

Hi All,

I’m disappointed to discover this forum only after I have ordered (and paid for) a Remington 783. I’m new to shooting (apart from one week of training and a qualification shoot when I was in the cadets over 15 years ago!), so was relying on the advice of my local gun shop. The 783 was one option which was presented to me (noting it wasn’t the first one I was given to look at!).

In the end, I liked the look of the MDT chasis and tactical package (included bipod and scope). I’m also a fan of the pistol grip. Plus, the reviews online (apart from this thread!) suggested it was good for the class it’s in. So, I went ahead with it...

As a new target shooter (not planing on hunting in the immediate term), I’m hoping the rifle will be accurate enough as my first rifle. I’m definitely not experienced enough to notice the types of complaints people have talked about here...so maybe it’s a good thing to learn on a not-so-great rifle! Who knows?

But, I’d be interested in recommendations for my second firearm!

I wouldn't be too concerned, you might have a great shooting rifle.

[r.dunn]

What type of target shooting are you planning? What distances??

I haven’t decided yet! My plan was to use my rifle to re-familiarise myself with shooting and become confident. I remember the training I received all those years ago, so want to develop my technique and be sure I can get the rounds on the target before I start looking at a specific discipline.

I’m interested in accuracy and precision. I’ll start shorter range, but believe I’ll ultimately looking at longer range. Maybe I need to join QRA as well (currently just in SSAA). For position, something other than bench rest...maybe three positional.

Thoughts?

[RoginaJack]

I thought the SSAA at Belmont shot 3 positions as well as other disciplines? Whoops, silly me, are you close to Belmont?

[r.dunn]

Whoops, silly me, are you close to Belmont?

Yes, I’m in Brisbane.

I’m not sure what disciplines are offered - I’m sure they will do three positional. But let’s see how well I can shoot with the 783 before narrowing in on a discipline. But, thinking allowed, the idea of just doing bench rest and nothing else would seem a little tedious for me, personally.

[r.dunn]

Get to know your gunsmith who can adjust your trigger and bed the action.

Does the action not come pillar bedded? Is something more recommended?

What caliber is your Remington?

It’s a .308 WIN. I wanted something similar to what I fired those many years ago as a kid (which was a 7.62mm NATO round, from memory). Also, I wanted something which actually felt like it was firing, not like the .22LR used during the safety course. Plus, I understand the 308 would be better when I make the jump to longer distances...assuming the 783 accuracy isn’t as terrible as this thread suggests it may be!

[TassieTiger]

I’d be very interested on hearing how accurate your 783 does turn out as even my local gun shop won’t carry them now - for a number of reasons according to him, including poor performance. The rem 700’s - he seems content with, tikka, howa, Mauser, Ruger, etc but the 783 seems to be hit/miss. But that being said - as others have advised, every gun is different - so if you do have issues, you have warranty regardless.

[marksman]

Get to know your gunsmith who can adjust your trigger and bed the action.

Does the action not come pillar bedded? Is something more recommended?

What caliber is your Remington?

It’s a .308 WIN. I wanted something similar to what I fired those many years ago as a kid (which was a 7.62mm NATO round, from memory). Also, I wanted something which actually felt like it was firing, not like the .22LR used during the safety course. Plus, I understand the 308 would be better when I make the jump to longer distances...assuming the 783 accuracy isn’t as terrible as this thread suggests it may be!

although pillars are called bedding they are not, they are in fact anti crushing tubes that will stop the stock from crushing
another one of the salesman bullshite lies to make something more attractive to buy
also understand that a gunshop is there to sell guns and they are sales people, I get very annoyed at some of the bullshite I hear from especially new shooters that were told by the counter jumpers at the gunshop so it must be true, your rifle may shoot ok but its a very budgetly made rifle that is a throw away, my advise is do not spend money on it, I don't even think they are made by Remington like a few other Remington's that are outsourced to other company's, a tikka or howa would be a better start IMHO

[bladeracer]

What caliber is your Remington?

It’s a .308 WIN. I wanted something similar to what I fired those many years ago as a kid (which was a 7.62mm NATO round, from memory). Also, I wanted something which actually felt like it was firing, not like the .22LR used during the safety course. Plus, I understand the 308 would be better when I make the jump to longer distances...assuming the 783 accuracy isn’t as terrible as this thread suggests it may be!

Do you have a .22LR as well?

[SCJ429]

If you want to shoot 3P you should start with a 22lr, it is good enough to get you to the Olympics. I really enjoyed competing in 3P competitions, much harder than it looks and great real world applications.

[Bridgy]

Hi All,

I’m disappointed to discover this forum only after I have ordered (and paid for) a Remington 783. I’m new to shooting (apart from one week of training and a qualification shoot when I was in the cadets over 15 years ago!), so was relying on the advice of my local gun shop. The 783 was one option which was presented to me (noting it wasn’t the first one I was given to look at!).

In the end, I liked the look of the MDT chasis and tactical package (included bipod and scope). I’m also a fan of the pistol grip. Plus, the reviews online (apart from this thread!) suggested it was good for the class it’s in. So, I went ahead with it...

As a new target shooter (not planing on hunting in the immediate term), I’m hoping the rifle will be accurate enough as my first rifle. I’m definitely not experienced enough to notice the types of complaints people have talked about here...so maybe it’s a good thing to learn on a not-so-great rifle! Who knows?

But, I’d be interested in recommendations for my second firearm!

My review probably came across negative, but it shot okay. If you are putting it in a chassis, then a lot of the issues I had with mine are then resolved. Mine produced groups just over 1in in size with cheap Sellier & Bellot ammo, and it killed quite a few goats before I moved it on. So, while they aren't brilliant, nor would I expect yours to be a complete lemon.

[r.dunn]

Hi All,

Just a quick update...

After reading the posts here, and doing a little more research online, I decided against the 783. The 'good' reviews I read originally were primarily for hunting, and since my plan is to start on the range, I didn't think the Remington was going to make the cut. The only way I was going consistent groupings was with manual loading - and that's not an option at this stage (I don't really have the space at home, the time to learn, or anyone to show me how!). So, until I make a few friends at the range (or in this forum), I need a rifle which will work well with factory ammunition.

After a few phone calls with the local gun shop, I was able to change the order and upgrade to a different rifle. I've taken the advice from this forum and have decided on the Tikka T3x. I seriously considered the CTR version, but I really do like the the pistol grip. In the end, I opted for the TAC A1 fixed stock upgrade package (including bipod and case). I'm sure I'll look like a bit of a try-hard with the TAC A1, but as I read in another thread here, I chose the one which appealed the most to me - screw everyone else! The reviews for the TAC A1 tested the rifle out at long ranges and...after a lot of work...I hope to one day be able to hit those long range shots too! But, I'm not getting ahead of myself.

Price wise, it's a little more than I wanted to spend (rifle is now $3,146 and still have to get an optic!)...but what's money for if you can't buy things which make you happy. This will be my Christmas present to myself.

I just received confirmation that my PTA is approved as of 24 November (exactly 28 days since I applied), and the rifle stoked at Melbourne. So, with any luck, I'll be able to pick it up the week after next.

Now...I need to change to the Optic thread and get some advice on glass

[SCJ429]

You won't regret spending the extra money on the Tikka, I am guessing this one is 308 as well?

[TassieTiger]

Double post...boody iPhones and passion fingers...

[TassieTiger]

Good move. You might have spent a little more but you’ve more than likely saved a shed load in frustration!!
I literally just handled about 6 different tikkas in 30-06...and was soo close to buying another...

[Sergeant Hartman]

The tikka t3x tac a1 is a bloody good gun. Congrats on the purchase and good luck. Which shop?

[marksman]

if you look after this rifle you will have it a long time, IMO good choice

[r.dunn]

You won't regret spending the extra money on the Tikka, I am guessing this one is 308 as well?

Thanks! Yes, I had to get .308 to use the same PTA.

The tikka t3x tac a1 is a bloody good gun. Congrats on the purchase and good luck. Which shop?

Queensland Gun Exchange
https://www.qldgunexchange.com/tikka-t3 ... ckage.html

if you look after this rifle you will have it a long time, IMO good choice

That's the plan! I plan on getting some better cleaning accessories, and investing in better quality solvents and oils.

[SCJ429]

Get a bore guide if you don't already have one