I was one of the first hunters to shoot and test the Model 783 back in 2012. That November John Fink, who works for Remington, shot the first ever buck with the 783 on a hunt with me in Saskatchewan. We filmed that 160-inch giant going down for my show, Big Deer TV On Sportsman Channel.
When I posted my first review on the Model 783 in January 2013, I had shot the rifle (in .30-06 caliber) quite a bit, but I had never killed a deer with. I have since shot 5 bucks with the 783, 2 with the .30-06 and 3 with one chambered for .270.
A recap of the Model 783’s features and specs:
Built in Mayfield, KY, the 783 bolt-action has a cylindrical receiver and a premium contour button-rifled barrel (22 inches and 24 inches for magnums). Designed for strength and rigidity, the barrel is attached to the receiver with a barrel nut system. Rifle is rock-solid, you feel that first time you pick it up.
The 783 utilizes a detachable metal magazine. The Crossfire trigger is set at 3½ pounds and adjustable.
The rifle is a little rough around the edges, with a no-frills, functional look. Stock is black synthetic, pillar-bedded and designed for a free-floated barrel. The butt-stock has a SuperCell Recoil pad. The 783 weighs in around 7.25.
For the last 2 seasons, I have hunted extensively with the Model 783 from Canada to Texas to Mexico. My observations:
The rifle is easy and comfortable to carry. Weight is well distributed, and it feels lighter than 7 pounds. You’ll like it if you hunt in mountains.
I’m big on the fit and feel of a hunting rifle–the better the feel of it the better you’ll shoot it. The first time I shot the 783 off a bench, it fit my shoulder and cheek right. I shot it well that day and have it shot well ever since. The design, lines and fit of the 783 also help to minimize recoil of the .30-06 and magnum calibers.
Read any review of the Model 783 written by gun experts in the last 2 years, and the overwhelming theme is the rifle’s impressive accuracy…words like “amazing” or “astounding for a $400 rifle” is how most pundits put it.
I’ll leave discussion of the metalwork and craftsmanship of the 783’s button-rifled, contour barrel to those experts who know a lot more about those things than I do. But after 2 years of hard hunting with this rifle, I’ll jump on the bandwagon and go so far as to say the Model 783 is one of the most consistently accurate rifles I’ve ever hunted with.
In my .30-06 test model, I sighted-in and hunted with 150-grain Remington Premier Core-Lokt and Hypersonic loads. More recently, in my .270 I have sighted and hunted with 3 loads: Barnes 130-grain Vortex copper, 130-grain Remington Bronze Point and 150-grain standard Core-Lokt. With all these loads, 100-yard groups have averaged 1 inch. Largest group with 150-grain .30-06 was 1.2 inches…smallest with 130-grain Bronze point was .6 inches, with several holes cutting. The .270 model (my favorite) is a real tack driver and loves the 130-grainers.
No matter the rifle and load, you can’t achieve consistent accuracy like that without a top-quality scope. All the Model 783s I have tested and hunted with are topped with the Trijicon Accupoint, either 3-9X or 2.5-10X.
In the field, knock wood, I have fired 5 shots and killed 5 bucks. But don’t just take my word for it. Many of the bench shots and all the kills are documented with video from my TV show.
To me, a hunting rifle is a tool. I take care of my guns, but I use them hard, and don’t baby them. I’ve carried and banged my 783s around in mountains, in the high desert, on ATVs… This rifle is a workhorse, rough around the edges, but a durable performer and a shooter.
The Model 783 was originally chambered for .270. .30-06, .308 and 7mm magnum….243 and .300 Win. Mag. have been added. A camo synthetic stock is now available, as is a shorter compact version of the rifle.
The biggest news is the soon to come “scoped version” of the Model 783. The rifle will be sold with an “unbranded” 3-9X scope that comes mounted and bore-sighted. It will retail for $399, but you should be able to get it for around $330. If the scope is durable and shoots, this will be the deal of the decade for a deer-hunting rifle.
I think Remington is creating a bit of confusion with their selection of rifles…..
The 770 is still widely availabe (and priced about like the 783).
The 783 has received many good reviews and can be had for less than $400.00 in the “real world”.
Finally, I could go to Walmart today and purchase a 700 with a synthetic scope, blind magazine and an inexpensive scope for $377.00.
Why would I even bother to look @ the 770 or the 783 with the 700 available @ that price point?
I meant synthetic stock not synthetic scope……oops…..
Hanback here: Been a 700 fan for decades, but I tell you there is something great about the 783, it’s feel and functional look (I like) and most importantly how it shoots… I’ve had $3,000 custom rifles that don’t shoot as well. I think its place is firmly as a workhorse for hunters who don’t want to spend hundreds more for higher-end 700s, though Jim’s point on entry level SPS 700 is well taken…likely one reason Remington has dropped the price of the 783. Some great buy for this deer rifle
“We filmed that 160-inch giant going down for my show” Please see your article below on over used sayings in the hunting industry.
Hanback here, yes I admit to overusing giant, monster etc. Can’t seem to help it…
I purchased last December a Remington 783 in .308 for my 13 year old boy. Remington now makes a base and ring set just for the 783. I put an inexpensive Nikon Buckmaster 3 X 9 on it. Sighted in, gave the boy shooting lessons. Took him deer hunting on my ranch in Lantry, Texas. His first shot in the field he killed a 6 point management buck. Then we were invited on a Youth Hunt in Val Verde County by the Texas Game Wardens. His second shot in the fields was a beautiful 5 1/2 year old buck. Twi shots two kills. The rifle is extremely accurate, well balanced. Feels lighter than it weight. Especially for the price I would highly recommend this rifle to anyone. You can’t go wrong with Remington. Happy Hunting ! Love your shows Mike.
thanks man!
Will be purchasing the 783 in .270 when I can afford to do it. My brother gave me a 770 in .270 and while it’s not a “sexy” rifle, it is good enough for now (and the price was spot on). Shooting the 130 gr. core lokt bullet for ‘yotes, etc. Thanks for the good review Hanback. I know you’re a Remington guy, but I trust your reviews regardless.