Does the Rem 740 have the same issues as the 742?

I have read on numerous boards that Remington took steps to improve the jam o matic tendencies exhibited in the 742. I know of hunters who use the 740 with no issues. But I'd still rather carry a Browning Automatic Rifle.

The 740 preceeded the 742 and most of them have the issue with the soft metal receiver and the five lug bolt. Eventually the bolt lugs dig grooves into the receiver and the bolt locks back on every shot.
My grandfather's 740 has the gouges but still cycles fine....eventually it will have the issue, there is no way to fix it. But for now I shoot it seldom and load to Garand pressure levels to reduce wear.

Any of the 740s or 742s with the updated three lug bolt head won't have the issue.

Oh and they also have a tendency to have rough/rust prone chambers, resulting in stuck cases. This is easily fixed with a good chamber polishing.

If you want my opinion? Don't pay money for one unless you witness it cycling and shooting accurately. If you are being given one for free? Go for it. Most of them are "minute of deer lung" and can put food on the table if needed. But not known as tack drivers.

Each generation has improved somewhat. I've owned a 742 years ago. Can't think of a single reason I'd buy one over a bolt rifle. Most can be fairly reliable if fed factory loads or well made reloads within a very narrow range of pressures. And if kept very clean.

But the reality is that for "AIMED" repeat shots the difference in speed is insignificant. A semi is faster for laying down suppression fire, or in very light recoiling rifles. But not significantly faster if hunting and actually trying to hit something.

For that tiny bit of speed you get a rifle that is much heavier, less reliable, has a poor trigger that cannot be improved, at best average accuracy, and they cost more. They won't function with many hotter loads that will work just fine in any other action type.

The 740 preceeded the 742

Click to expand...

I'm thinking of the 750.

Even the wore out ones (that can be bought CHEEEP) will fire as a "single shot", and look at what some folks pay for a single shot rifle!! lol Especially those ruger number ones! (I've had a few of those myself)

DM

The 742 was an IMPROVEMENT on the 740, and that is saying something. In short, the 740 has the same issues of the 742, plus a few of its own.

Take a look at this thread, particularly post 10 by Saturno V. Pretty much says it all.

742 Woodsmaster - Now what?

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=530602