anybody,still hunt with a rem,auto rifle???
- Thread starter turkey45
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In the 34 years I've been deer hunting, I've used bolts, pumps, semi autos and lever guns. The semi autos were Remington, Browning, and Springfield. For deer hunting I like remington semi autos the best. I don't like the weight of the Springfield, and I don't care for the Brownings hinged magazine.
Some folks will tell you the Browning is built better, and that its more reliable. Having owned both I don't beleive that for a minute. They both have to be kept very clean to run reliably. If you look up the schematics for both rifles you'll see that other than the hump in the receiver their pretty much the same.
For the last eight years I've been fielding a Rem 7400 synthetic in 308. I turned it to a scout configuration, barrel chopped to 18", Burris scout scope and mount, and a Williams reciever peep sight. The rifle, with standard Federal soft points will put 5 rounds in one ragged hole at 100 meters.
Some folks will tell you the Browning is built better, and that its more reliable. Having owned both I don't beleive that for a minute. They both have to be kept very clean to run reliably. If you look up the schematics for both rifles you'll see that other than the hump in the receiver their pretty much the same.
For the last eight years I've been fielding a Rem 7400 synthetic in 308. I turned it to a scout configuration, barrel chopped to 18", Burris scout scope and mount, and a Williams reciever peep sight. The rifle, with standard Federal soft points will put 5 rounds in one ragged hole at 100 meters.
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robctwo
Member
I bought the Rem 7400 in 30-06 a few years ago. It is reliable and has a good weight. My gun would not shoot better than 5-6" at 100 yds off a bench, even with reloads. I replaced it with BAR Stalkers in .308 and 300WSM. They shoot one ragged hole groups with the right loads.
I liked everything about the Remington except the lack of grouping. Maybe got a Wal-Mart lemon?
I liked everything about the Remington except the lack of grouping. Maybe got a Wal-Mart lemon?
skynyrd1911
Member
I recently purchased a 7400 in .270 From what I've read on forums is that it is designed as a hunting rifle, not a target rifle. So I'm trying not to be disappointed if it doesn't have extremely tight groups. I haven't shot it yet, but I'm hoping to today.
I bought my 7400 new, and never did fire the rifle when it had the 22" tube. Some say the short barrel is stiffer, and that adds to the tighter groups. years ago I had a couple different Rem 742's, a 308, and a 6mm, both would group around 3" with factory ammo
One other thing though, my 7400 308 will not shoot 7.62x51 nato very well at all. The 742 I used to own ran the surplus Nato ammo without a hitch. I think the chamber specs are tighter on this 7400. Also I use it only for deer hunting, so in the eight years I've been using it, it has fired less than a hundred rounds. Maybe the groups will open up a little when I finally break it in.
One other thing though, my 7400 308 will not shoot 7.62x51 nato very well at all. The 742 I used to own ran the surplus Nato ammo without a hitch. I think the chamber specs are tighter on this 7400. Also I use it only for deer hunting, so in the eight years I've been using it, it has fired less than a hundred rounds. Maybe the groups will open up a little when I finally break it in.
skynyrd1911
Member
I hear ya Turkey!!!!! 
Jackal
Member
I have a very early 740, and it is incredible how well that rifle handles. Something about the balance and the thin, shotgun like stock just make me want to hold, and rub it all day long....
I suppose by and large more hunters want a accurate rifle, that spells bolt action to most.I've killed plenty of deer with a 3" shooting 742.
What kind of country do you hunt? I'm in northern Wisconsin, the terrain is heavy forrest. The shots are close and fast so a fast handling semi auto is just the thing. You see alot of Remington auto loaders around here.
What kind of country do you hunt? I'm in northern Wisconsin, the terrain is heavy forrest. The shots are close and fast so a fast handling semi auto is just the thing. You see alot of Remington auto loaders around here.
Bolt actions are inherently more accurate, at least many gun gurus say so. They may be and they may punch paper better and they may be more likely to kill a deer at 400 yards. What and where do you plan to use your gun? I hunt the thick woods of the Missouri Ozarks where shots over 100 yards are a real rarity. I am much more likely to shoot one at 30-40 yards. My old Remington 742 has never failed to operate on any factory or my own reloads. It like most of my other guns, including a bolt action in 06 & one in .308 shoot a lot better than I do. The 742 has a quicker 2nd shot if needed and noticeably less recoil on a given load than my bolt action. My 18-year daughter loves to shoot it and if she can get home from college this deer season that is what she will shoot. What will I use? I will probably use the bolt action .308 because it is a new toy and I want to see what it will do. If not it probably the .44 mag Deerfield, the 742 or the 762/39 Saiga. Get a tool that fits the use you have planned for it.
RJ
RJ
Remington 742 in 30-06. I picked it up about 10 years ago when I was down in the back and wanted something with more manageable recoil than my 7mm mag. It's put a lot of venison in the freezer and is still one of my favorites when I have time to hunt.
Turkey - I grew up in west-by-god-virginny. The Rem semis are perfect for that area!
Turkey - I grew up in west-by-god-virginny. The Rem semis are perfect for that area!
I have a Rem 742 (30-06)with serial no. 8760 so it is one of the first "gas operated" that they made. My dad bought if for me when I got out of the service. There is no telling how many deer I have killed with it including mule deer out to 350 yards. I haven't used it in probaly 10 years but I am confident that I can take it out of the case and it will function properly. Don't shoot too bad either will constantly shoot sub 2MOA, which ant bad for a hunting weapon.
Mr Weebles
Member
I used a 7400 in .30-06 for years but just replaced it before last season with a Savage in .308.
No reason except that I wanted a bolt and didn't feel like lugging the Rem around since it weighs a couple of pounds more.
The 7400 was a good shooter and I'll use it again someday.
No reason except that I wanted a bolt and didn't feel like lugging the Rem around since it weighs a couple of pounds more.
The 7400 was a good shooter and I'll use it again someday.
skynyrd1911
Member
Got to shoot my new 7400 today. Tackdriver it isn't, but I DO like it. I'm just not the bolt action type I guess. Today was open sights....now to purchase a scope. When I shot my first deer two years ago with a pump shotgun, I totally forgot to eject the empty and reload for a possible second shot. I'm new deer hunting, and I really like this .270 semi-auto.
marksman13
Member
I have two model 742s...both will shoot under three inches at 100 yds if i do my part. both in 30-06...allow for fast follow ups...handle great...one of mine has a problem with ejecting spent rounds occasionly...overall a really good gun with a lot of versatility...
'Card
Member
The very first run of 740's that Remington made (back in the 50's) had some reliability and accuracy issues, and because of that the gun got a bad reputation early on - and you know how it is with gun people. Once a gun gets a bad rap, it takes decades for a lot of people to get over it, even when the manufacturer makes changes to take care of the problems. Remington improved the design with the 742, and improved it further (particularly by strengthening the bolt) with the 7400.
I own three 7400's and one 742 (all in .30-06) so obviously I love them. My favorite is my nickel-plated Weathermaster. I've come to believe that the only reason why some people still seem to have reliability issues with them is that they need to be kept good and clean, and taking them apart for a thorough cleaning can be a major pain in the ass - especially for people who don't fart with guns as a hobby. If you take it down completely and give it a good cleaning at least once a year (depending on how much you shoot it, of course) a 742 or 7400 shouldn't give you any problems at all.
I own three 7400's and one 742 (all in .30-06) so obviously I love them. My favorite is my nickel-plated Weathermaster. I've come to believe that the only reason why some people still seem to have reliability issues with them is that they need to be kept good and clean, and taking them apart for a thorough cleaning can be a major pain in the ass - especially for people who don't fart with guns as a hobby. If you take it down completely and give it a good cleaning at least once a year (depending on how much you shoot it, of course) a 742 or 7400 shouldn't give you any problems at all.
littlelefty
Member
yes, soon
My daughter shoots a Remington 742 Woodsman with a 4x scope. This year will be her 1st year in the woods with it. I'll be next to her with my Rem. 788 lefty bolt in .308. Watch out, Bambi and kin!
My daughter shoots a Remington 742 Woodsman with a 4x scope. This year will be her 1st year in the woods with it. I'll be next to her with my Rem. 788 lefty bolt in .308. Watch out, Bambi and kin!
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