I had a 788 in 7-08 for many years (kid took it to college and never returned it). I paid $139.95 as they were on sale at clearance pricing. I was a poor college student and it was all I could afford. Glad it was so because it turned out to be the most accurate sporting rifle I ever shot. It was a carbine with an 18 1/2" barrel. 139 grain Hornady SP with the flat base. It killed everything from deer and antelope to elk, prairie dogs and coyotes. I imagine a 22 cal with the right loads would be a devastating varmint rig.