Remington 721 - 30-06

[Shawn Bertsch]

Good evening everyone! Im new here and just wanted some advice and background knowledge from you all..

I was just given a Remington 721 in 30-06, with a Bushnell 4x-32. I know little about the history of the rifle, amount of round put through it, but i do know that it was manufactured in December of 1950. The rifle is in great shape, but I am aware of some sort of recall that happened concerning firing of rounds when disengaging the safety when a round is chambered, and was wondering if anyone would be willing to give advice on that issue. I plan on taking it to a gunsmith to have it "tuned up" before I take it to the range, or hunt with it. This is the only firearm I own, and would obviously be my hunting rifle. I live in Western Washington, so any advice on ammunition choices, scope changes if needed, etc. to make it as accurate as possible would be greatly appreciated.

 

[NCsmitty]

Welcome to THR, Shawn Bertsch.

There was an issue on the 722 and 721 Remington's safety as you mentioned. You can contact Remington to see if the serial # has been repaired or have your gunsmith check it out.
They have a good reputation, and you'll find that they are accurate and reliable and they were the models that the 700 Rem are based on.
Try some 165gr bullets of your brand choice to check accuracy. They are great for deer. Try 180gr if you plan to hunt bear.
Let us know how it shoots after you get it checked out.



NCsmitty

 

[Strongbad]

The "recall" or retrofit as it were is strictly voluntary. The 721's and early 700's have a trigger setup that locks the bolt when the safety is engaged. The retrofit allows the bolt to be opened with the rifle on safe. Safe gun handling would preclude all of this of course, but if you feel the need, they'll switch it out for you. Otherwise the 721's are about the smoothest long actions out there. I'm sure you'll be very happy with it.

 

[rangerruck]

Dittos' to both above; you picked up a fabulous rifle there, and if the scope is old, and says Japan anywhere on it; then nice pickup on the scope as well.
Should be quite an accurate rifle, and ammo should be cheap as well. Just find the one it likes best, proly something in a federal blue box.

 

[Art Eatman]

As far as testing the safety on those older Remingtons: Engage the safety. Try to pull the trigger in normal fashion. (Naturally, nothing should happen.) Then take it off safety. Nothing should happen. On the problem rifles, the firing pin would be released and fire a cartridge.