Remington 740, 742, 7400, 750 Question

pikepole20

January 03, 2013 07:46

I am thinking about purchasing one of these rifles in .308 and would like to know if the newer 750 model is worth the extra dollars. My understanding is that the earlier models sometimes had issues with feeding that were improved upon with Model 750. Does anyone have experience them to offer an opinion as to where the 750 is worth the extra $250 or so.

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  tsr1965

  January 03, 2013 11:01

  pikepole20,
  
  There are several of us here in the Expert's forum, that have experience with them. The opinions vary as much as the longevity of those rifles. IF you put any one of those model numbers into the search engine at the top right of this page, you will have several threads to read from.
  
  Best

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  Ray Boone

  January 03, 2013 11:16

  I am not familiar with the new models but my dad and step dad both had Rem 740 30-06s. Both worked fine for their use- at most 20 shots per year. The problems commonly associated with them regarding feeding/ejection did not seem to be design related. My opinion is that the problems are a result of poor cleaning and improper lubrication leading to excessive wear. The wear does appear to be aggravated by steel a little too soft to prevent wear.

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  rong

  January 04, 2013 22:22

  I have had a Rem 742 in 308 since 1973.
  I've never had an issue with it.
  As soon as I got it ,I sighted it in
  and ran 2 or 3 boxes thru it.
  Following that, each pre-season I would shoot
  a handful of rounds thru it to check
  if it's still on target.I never have had a jam
  and it shoots minute of deer to 150yds.
  I've heard issues about them jamming and chewing
  up the rails. I believe these deer guns were just that,
  not target guns.(kind of heavy to lug around)
  ron

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  wanted man

  January 05, 2013 05:39

  Aside from "jamming" issues related to poor cleaning, THE most common problem with the 742s was that the feed rails were made of a soft steel; too soft to stand up to RIGOROUS use over many years...IF you buy a 742, examine the feeed rails for excessive wear, chipping, etc. Chances are, if there is no overt damage/excessive wear, and the rifle is thoroughly cleaned/maintained, it will continue to be a reliable rifle
  My $.02

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  M1A762

  January 05, 2013 05:53

  You should look for a Model Four. The Model Four has some design improvements both mechanical and visual. Better wood for one, and the bolt has locking lugs on the top and bottom. Previous models had just one set of locking lugs.
  
  As stated these rifles need to be maintained, they are good hunting rifles but not high volume shooters. Be sure to remove the forearm and clean the assembly, not just the bolt and trigger pack. The magazines need to be kept very clean also, they can be finicky.

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  thorhammer

  January 05, 2013 06:38

  I would stay away from the 7400 and check out the 750. My 7400
  
  had a bolt release on the magazine. The mag would not release when
  
  the last shot was fired with the bolt open. You then had to close
  
  the bolt (on an empty chamber) with the lever on the side of the mag,
  
  before removing empty mag to put a full mag in. A full mag was hard
  
  to insert on a closed bolt so you had to open the bolt and hold as it
  
  won't lock open and than manipulate the mag.........it must have been
  
  invented by safety freaks who never hunted who sat in offices with
  
  vivid delusional imaginary dangers.[:(!]

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  oneoldsap

  January 05, 2013 08:52

  The 750 is the latest generation of Rems. gas operated auto loader . Which , in theory should make it the best one so far . Which isn't saying a lot , as they are still Jam-O-Matics . If you use magazines for a pump , it's a lot easier and quicker to change mags . As the bolt is already closed after the last round is fired , just dump it and slam another one home ! Rem. auto loaders are too maintainence intensive , for someone that wants a grab and go gun , that is reliable . They like polished chambers , and meticulusly tuned Magazines , and want to be squeaky clean . That being said , I won't buy them to resell , or take them in trade , as I know I'm going to have a disgruntled customer on my hands , sooner or later (usually sooner) .

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  deerhide

  January 06, 2013 07:55

  I've had several 742's, a 74 and now a 7400. All 30-06's.
  They are heavy to carry with; a full mag, a good scope and a nice strap but I found them reliable(you must keep the chamber clean)nice looking and accurate. I would get a 350 if the $$ was right.
  Jim

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