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Remington 742 Accuracy

redpete
I just got an old Remington 742 in .30-06. It has a 4 digit serial number (16xx) so I think it is from 1960.

I have tried a couple of different hand loads and neither of them groups very well(pattern might be a better description).4 inch groups at 70 yards.

Does this rifle have the reputation for being inaccurate or could it be that since this rifle is old it could be shot out? I know the guy that owned it and he had quite a gun collection, so I don't think he over used it.

I have taken the trigger group out and cleaned the inside the best I can without taking the barrel off.could the problem be a dirty chamber?

I am also going to try some different ammo and if that doesn't work I will try a different scope, but I am just wondering what your thoughts are on the accuracy potential of the 742.

Thanks.
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Comments

9 comments

Date Votes
  • TWalker
    Several that I have owned were capable of good accuracy and would regularly shoot 3 shot groups of about 2 inches with a good scope and rest at 100 yards. One in .308 did even better. The 742 must be kept very clean and lubed to work well. Even then, they have hard bolts that eventually destroy the internal rails leading to failure to feed. Keep it clean and use it only for hunting and it may last a lifetime.
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  • wpage
    The one I owned from late 60's shot accurate groups. Like previous poster stated. There can be issues with the action. Mine started having issues extracting casings and after several repairs and finally a trip back to Remington for repairs. Sold it.
    In defense of the gun many hundreds of rounds were thru it b4 it had problems.
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  • 260
    first thing i would look for is to make sure the screw that holds the forend on is tight. second, get a good copper remover and give the bore a good scrubbing. third, inspect the crown of the barrel.
    fourth. if you are using see-thru mounts, get rid of them and inspect the ones you have if not the ones you just threw away. fifth, it could possibly be the optics. and like the others said, keep it clean especially the chamber.
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  • Grasshopper
    quote:Originally posted by 260
    first thing i would look for is to make sure the screw that holds the forend on is tight. second, get a good copper remover and give the bore a good scrubbing. third, inspect the crown of the barrel.
    fourth. if you are using see-thru mounts, get rid of them and inspect the ones you have if not the ones you just threw away. fifth, it could possibly be the optics. and like the others said, keep it clean especially the chamber.


    As above,, I have had several 742s and their accuracy is better than you stated. You have a problem somewhere...imo..
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  • deerhntr
    First thing that I suspect is that the barrel is loose,I have seen quite a few of these old 742's that are shooting poor groups group much better after the barrel is tightened. When I usually buy an older 742 I pull the barrel and scrub the chamber , then give the internals a good cleaning and lube .....Then tighten the barrel good and tight with the proper wrench..this should cut your groups in half.
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  • MBK
    I have three that I have bench tested, and they all are 1 1/2 - 2" at 100 yards. Now there can be a lug wear issue from the rotating bolt. Look underside at the frame tracks where the bolt passes...hold it open and look toward the chamber. I think that wearing would impact the lockup.

    Bear Creek Guns in Seleah, WA will repair such wear.
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  • rong
    IMHO, I would put
    a drop of blue
    loctite on the forend
    screw and just snug it
    up.My .02
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  • quickmajik
    I have had several of them, accuracy varies.. I think guns that have been shot alot fast or been used with corrosive ammo then uncleaned until after the bore has rusted are what cause the variance.

    as deerhunter said, the gun should be taken down and cleaned and then rebuilt. If your groups tighten it isnt the latter, if it is a new barrel group should be easy to find.
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  • RCrosby
    In addition to the advice (excellent by the way) already offered, consider the following.
    Assuming the chamber is clean, barrel tight, etc., carefully inspect the crown for any damage AND, go back to the guy you bought it from (an advantage not always available) and see if he has any recommendation for preferred ammo; factory and/or reloads.
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