Remington 742 Purchase
I purchased the rifle in the closed auction below for two reasons. 1) Dad has had a 742 in 6mm since the 60's and has been well pleased with it. He has hunted all over the nation and has had no problems. 2) I have used the 30.06 caliber for many years deer hunting and am confident with that caliber.
So when I found this auction with a "Buy Now" price of $350.00 for a 742 in like new condition I felt like I had to make the purchase. I've been looking for a 742 in 6mm for years (so I could be like dad....I'm 41 and still look up to him) and have never found a quality condition rifle at a reasonable price, s when I found this one it was a no-brainer. Anyway, after the purchase, I looked at the old forums and did a little research on the 742. It appears that there are a couple of potential problems with the rifle. Folks either love the rifle or hate the rifle. I think the "key" finding I had was that over time, the rifle may wear itself out due to a possible design flaw in the received after extended use. It sounds like the internal rail (?) may possibly eventually grind down causing malfunction with feeding and ejecting.
Finally, my question is this; what can I do to this virtually "new" rifle to ensure its long life in the backwoods of Florida & Georgia? Is there a specific lube/oil which should be used? Obviously, good cleaning is necessary, but I want to make sure I am taking the best possible approach to this in advance so I can extend the long-term use of this rifle.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=177184592
Thanks,
Aaron
So when I found this auction with a "Buy Now" price of $350.00 for a 742 in like new condition I felt like I had to make the purchase. I've been looking for a 742 in 6mm for years (so I could be like dad....I'm 41 and still look up to him) and have never found a quality condition rifle at a reasonable price, s when I found this one it was a no-brainer. Anyway, after the purchase, I looked at the old forums and did a little research on the 742. It appears that there are a couple of potential problems with the rifle. Folks either love the rifle or hate the rifle. I think the "key" finding I had was that over time, the rifle may wear itself out due to a possible design flaw in the received after extended use. It sounds like the internal rail (?) may possibly eventually grind down causing malfunction with feeding and ejecting.
Finally, my question is this; what can I do to this virtually "new" rifle to ensure its long life in the backwoods of Florida & Georgia? Is there a specific lube/oil which should be used? Obviously, good cleaning is necessary, but I want to make sure I am taking the best possible approach to this in advance so I can extend the long-term use of this rifle.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=177184592
Thanks,
Aaron
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As a hunting gun it will outlast you. I have a BDL in 06 that I've had for nearly 30 years I'd guess maybe more. I use it every season and it has never failed to fire or eject. I spray teflon on the rails but rem-oil is probably similar. IMO that price was a STEAL 0 -
You done really good!!!!
Just take it apart and clean it every now and again. That means take off the forend and wipe the woods grime off the recoil spring, and action bars, and lube them well with a light coat of BreakFree, or TriFlow. Pull the trigger assembly out by removing the two pins, and spray it off with break cleaner, and after it dries, with a light blast of the same. Also clean the inside of the reciever, and light lube. If you do this, it will not let you down, and most likely last for as long as you do.
Best0 -
you have to remove the barrel to PROPERLY clean a 742. the bolt lock sits on top of the bolt and the ONLY way to clean it is to remove the barrel and bolt assy. this consists of the bolt lock 2 springs and 2 plungers (different, the round end one goes in the front hole). 0 -
You do have access to much better lubes than were available when these were worn out.
There is a gunsmith named Ray Gregg- Bear Creek Guns in Seleah, WA who works on the worn receivers.
I have 3 of these and they shoot one notch below my top guns at 100 yard test targets.0 -
Thanks all for the replies and input.
Aaron0 -
I have a 742 for the same reason. Didn't see that one. I have a Bicentennial edition. This is one of those babies you should really take apart to clean as stated above. It's the only way to get it REALLY clean and prevent problems. 0 -
when these rifles were sold they came with a special brush for cleaning the chamber. these wore out quickly and were not replaced. in my area many of the 742 have chambers that became rough because of lack of cleaning. when the problem is severe the only solution is a new barrel, which is very difficult to find. 0 -
740s and 742s have a reputation for stripping the locking lugs on the bolt or at least damaging them. My cousin had one in .243 this happened to and I have seen many myself that were damaged this way, most in 30-06. If you use handloads in it be sure to keep them loaded no hotter then factory and it should not be a problem. Remington will not fix the gun if you strip/damage the lugs on the bolt. As others have said clean well. Many have been used for decades with no problems. $350 for a NIB one in 30-06 is a fair value you did not get hurt at that price. 0 -
Mooned;
Nice price. Have worked on many, cleaning is the key. Mike hit the nail on the head. I have a 742 Carbine in -06 for over 20 years now and never a problem. Sure would like to find one in 6mm...keep it clean and enjoy.
Paul
Mountain Magic Gunsmithing0 -
Congrats on a great buy. If you have any issues Remington can refurbish it for you for a decent price... 0
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