Remington Mdl 721 Question
The Remington Model 721, good or bad?
0
-
It is very similar to the newer 700s; the 721 is long-action only. I have one in .30-06 and it is a great shooter. I've never had any
reliability problems with it.0 -
kallie,
The M721 long action and the M722 short action are the fore runners of the M700 series. These are still fine rifles to shoot as long as the barrels haven't been abused through inaction or improper cleaning techniques. A good cleaning overall would be a great start to using a fine rifle.
The M721 is perfect for building those projects which require long actions for the longer belted magnum cartridges such as the .300 H&H, .375 H&H and the .458 Lott.
Best.0 -
I have a couple of 722's (.257 & .222). Both are very accurate. Especially the .222. Recently bought a 721 in 300 H&H but haven't shot it yet. I expect it'll do just fine.
One real issue with these guns is their weak extractor. It's a light weight little thing and if the bolt face and chamber aren't kept clean they can crack or break from unnecessary stress. I've gone as far as to have the chambers polished on mine just as a preventative measure.
If you're looking at one, pull the bolt and look at the bolt face. You'll see a c-clip looking piece with a little lip that wraps most of the way around the inside there. If it looks badly worn or cracked you'll need a new one and they are very hard to find for rifles chambered in 30-06, 270, 308, 257, etc. They can be easily had for the .222 or 300 size.
Sako style extractors can be installed in lieu of an original.0 -
I shoot both the 721, and the 722, and I love them both. I've had the 722 since 1969 when my grandfather died and left it to me. 0 -
idahoducker
'One real issue with these guns is their weak extractor.'
With respect, I'm afraid you're repeating some invalid information.
I've worked with thousands, yes, thousands of M721, M722, and M700's for the last few years. Rarely does the extractor need to be replaced. Usually the only time we even bother is when we alter the boltface. I have replaced a small handful because I was asked to or one came in abused and required it.
The U.S. military fields most of their current tactical rifles with the M700 as the primary receiver complete with the factory extractor and we don't hear or read about those needing replacement. Custom makers who manufacturer Remington footprint actions recreate the same extractor cut in the bolts and we insert a brand new Remington extractor fresh from the factory.
The reality is that the extractor may be small and look weak but appearances are definitely misleading. I use these extractors in my personal hunting and competition rifles in lieu of the highly vaunted Sako/M16 extractor and I have yet to experience any problems after 10's of thousands of rounds fired.
Best.0 -
nononsense,
Nice to get that info from someone who's handled as many as you. I've only handled a dozen or so 721's & 722's but two of them had cracked extractors. However, both were well used and possibly never cleaned. Very dirty bolt faces.
When I had the trigger cleaned up on my 257 I asked my gunsmith about the extractor "issues" I'd heard about and he just said to keep it clean and it should be fine but if I could find a spare extractor I'd be wise to grab it. He also said he'd buy any from me I could find as he gets a few in each year that need them. Maybe we need a little education here in Idaho on the merits of solvent and oil.
Isn't the 700 extractor an improvement over the 721/722?0 -
I am looking at a 721 in .300 H&H. I have only seen pictures online. What should I look for, when I get my hands on it? 0 -
I have a CUSTOM 722 IN 240 Page Super Pooper. It has a Douglas 243 barrel that was re-chambered. GREAT TRIGGER! The stock screws are marked for the exact pressure for accuracy. This Baby is a real tack driver! The only mystery is: Who did the work? It says "M.S. Albuquerque" on the barrel... THANKS!!! 0 -
quote:Originally posted by kallie
I am looking at a 721 in .300 H&H. I have only seen pictures online. What should I look for, when I get my hands on it?
I have a pretty much "as new" 721 in 300 H & H - great rifle. I would do the standard function and bore checks as with any 700 series, also check to ensure the barrel hasn't been cut down. IIRC it should be 26" long, if you don't measure it your first reaction should be "damn that's a long barrel" and if it's not - definitely measure. [;)]
It's nice to have the original rear and front sight, there should be 4 holes up top drilled & tapped, take regular 700 series mounts.
These guns are often refinished, the 721 is a plain stock with no checkering. So far as telling a refinish/reblue job from original it can be difficult or obvious as heck. The factory finish on the wood is a semi satin type, bluing is satin also. If the floorplate/triggerguard is worn they are pretty easy to replace and cheap. It is stamped steel, not a drop out like the 700.
Other than making certain it hasn't been messed with, check it out like any other 700.0 -
I've used my 721 (30-06) for years with absolutely no problems at all. Mine is a first year production with the serial number etched on the inside of the reciever along with the bolt. Mounted a 4x fixed Leopold scope with a one piece base. Other than the weight, it's a great all-around rifle for me. 0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
10 comments