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Remington 740

Mike5166
While looking for another rifle last week, I came across a Remington 740 , .30-.06 (I think that's all it came in) Semi-Auto Carbine.

It definatly needs some attention but the wood work I can do myself. The metal parts need some care but it seems to function fine (haven't had the chance to fire it yet).

I've heard that the 740 had some feeding problems that were corrected in the later 742.

The rifle is selling for $275.00 and comes with one original 4 shot mag.

I just wanted to get some thoughts from the experts on this - does the price sound right (it's not listed in my 2002 Gun Price Guide).

Thanks for any advice or thoughts.
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • remroc
    The 740 was available in .244 Rem.,30-06, 280 Rem. and .308. It was made from 1955-59. There were some problems with a "wandering zero" and with the gas operating system. I don't have first hand experience but this is what I have heard. The blue books has $210 for a 80% gun but I seldom find guns for a blue book asking price. The ADL and BDL are worth a little more.
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  • BlueTic
    $275.00 for a well used 740 is a bit high. I am in the middle of a deal on a 742 and he wants $299.00. This one is in about 95% condition and that price is higher than book value, but hey it is hunting season and I like the .280 - he knows that and - well that's what I'm paying.

    IF YOU DON'T LIKE MY RIGHTS - GET OUT OF MY COUNTRY (this includes politicians)
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  • Ronald J. Snow
    The Remington 740 & 742 models are what keep gunsmiths in business. However, that may be coming to an end as parts are getting hard to find. In both these models the action bar and bolt assembly were not solidly attached to each other. As the firearm began to wear the bolt would "over rotate" into the receiver of the firearm leaving telltale "sawteeth" marks in the receiver on the left side and top. Check the rifle you are looking at by closing the bolt and carefully looking in the operating handle slot of the receiver to see if you can see marks on the opposite side and top (use a good light). If possible, remove the trigger assembly from the firearm and take a real good look. If thre are any "sawteeth" marks (usually 5 will show) pass on the gun. The 7400 model seems to have finally cured this problem. For many years Remington had an exchange program for these two models but that has now ceased.
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  • Der Gebirgsjager
    What Mr. Snow has stated is exactly right. Over the years I handled several such transactions with Remington where a 740 or 742 with a worn out receiver was replaced by the Company with a new 7400 at cost. There is no practical cure for this problem, as if the bolt parts are replaced, the grooving that has been cut in the rear of the receiver by the lugs of the old bolt remain, and the gun will usually continue to jam with the bolt to the rear; or in any event, the problem will soon reassert itself. These guns are fine for light use--the hunter that shoots half a box a year to sight in, and the other half to get a deer or two (and may well last a lifetime under these circumstances)--but all of them will eventually have trouble with continued heavy use. I would stay away from any models previous to the 7400.
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  • Mike5166
    Gentlemen, Thanks much for your input and advice. It's obvious you know what you are talking about.

    As far as the price being a bit high, I started looking around at other shops (always a good idea) and concluded that the shop selling the 740 is high on almost all their guns. It sure pays to ask and look around.

    I think I will pay out a couple of extra bucks and go with a new gun.

    Thanks.
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  • BlueTic
    Ok - you guys made me look. No over-rotation marks, and just minor wear from the action bars. I'm glad the question was asked

    IF YOU DON'T LIKE MY RIGHTS - GET OUT OF MY COUNTRY (this includes politicians)
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