Remington 721 in 30-06 for $300

[ReadyontheRight]

I have an opportunity to buy a Remington 721 in 30-06 for $300. It has a 24 inch blued barrel with open sights and a 4 shot internal box magazine. The stock is uncheckered walnut and has the original checkered steel butt plate.

What do you think? I am looking for a 30-06 bolt action. I will likely put a scope on it. My other option is to get an old 1917 Eddystone that's been sporterized -- mostly to save $$ and get a historical rifle. Or I could go the other direction and get a new Win model 70 or a Rem model 700. If I do that, I might get .308 to be able to shoot cheaper ammo.

How does the 721 compare to the new 700s? It seems the 721 has a very strong receiver -- is it a case of "they don't build 'em like they used to?"

I also noticed that Remington will retrofit the safety on a 721 for $20 so that you can work the bolt while it is on safe. I like this feature. Any reason NOT to do it?

 

[BigG]

If that's the gun I think it is you probably can't scope it without major alterations. Other than that, it would be a fine iron-sighted deer rifle, imho.

 

[dodge]

You can mount a scope on them just as easy as a 700. The 721 is the forrunner to the 700. I had one in a 270 but couldn't get it to shot under 2" but I didn't play with the bedding any either. Didn't keep it around long enough for that.

 

[Art Eatman]

The 721 was the strongest action built, at that time. It just wasn't as well finished as previous Remington rifles, sorta like pre-64 Winchesters vs. the later models. "Good; just not fancy."

But they're good. You might check the bedding on the forearm and all that standard stuff, but that's no big deal.

Somewhere around $300 sounds fair...

Fifty-some years back, my first centerfire was an old 1917 that I sporterized. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Art

 

[Barrelmaker]

I wouldn't pay more than around $250.00 for a 721. The reason is it's 40 to 50 years old, no collector value, and after that length of time the bore might not be so hot. If its minty then go for it.
The saftey is an easy one either leave it like it is because with the safety on, the bolt is locked closed and won't dump a live round out if your not paying attention while hicking with it slung over your back. You can modify it by simply taking it out of the stock and grinding a little off the top of the bolt lock lever on the right side of the trigger. Its what cams up and locks into that little groove under the bolt handle. Save the $20.00 bucks.