Remington 740, 760 and model 81

[USAF_Vet]

I'm looking at these three rifles, all chambered in 30/06, all priced around $350. They are used. From the scant research I've put in, the price is about average for any of the three.

Are they any good? Positives/ Negatives?

What is the market for replacement parts? I believe the 740/760 are still in production, the model 81 looks to be obsolete.

I've seen a 760 with a high cap magazine, but don't have any idea if it's a factory Remington mag or not.

 

[USAF_Vet]

I take that back, the model 81 is in 35 Remington.

 

[rcmodel]

At one time there was a hi-cap mag mag made for them, invented by a local fellow here in Lawrence Kansas. As far as I know, it is no longer being made.
Numrich Arms was selling the remaining stock, but I believe they are all gone now.

I would think you would be better served by getting the 740 semi-auto, or the 760 pump.
As you noted, the Model 81 is long out of production and parts may be hard to find.

I have probably heard of less problems with the pump then with the semi-auto.
Chamber fouling due to improper cleaning is the most common problem with the semi-auto. They have to be cleaned from the muzzle, so cleaning the chamber with a bronze brush is often over-looked.

Depending on your intended use, they should serve you well.
They are not long-range target rifle accurate.
But in the deep dark deer woods, there are a lot of worse choices you could make.

rc

 

[Getnlwr]

I have seen the higher capacity 10 rd mags for them but they were not factory. They were all aftermarket. I knew someone a while back that had a 7400 with a small stack of the 10rd mags. It shot very well and was used as his hunting rifle.

 

[thunder173]

Neither the 740/760s are in current production,..having been replaced by, as I recall,...and I may well be wrong on this,...but first the model 4 semi, and model 6 pump's,..then the 7400 and 7600 versions. Remington now also has the similiar 750 semi auto as well.

Have a friend that uses a 740 Semi Auto that he swears buy,..though it can get a bit finnicky with some mags. I have had a 760 since 1977 and it shoots splendidly. The downs on the pumps,...they can tend to rattle at the forearm a bit,...and may need a bit of tightening,..but the more you use them,..the better they feel. The other down, is that the pump versions tend to have a bit more felt recoil than their semi auto conterparts. The up is that they have an uninterupted/free floating barrel.

I have had good luck with Triple K 10 round mags with my pump version,..buit many claim to have issues with the extended mags in the 740's...

Overall,..I think they are a great gun,..capable of fine accuracy if the shooter does their part.

 

[rcmodel]

Jack Colyer was the local guy that invented & patented them.
Google "Colyer remington magazine" and see what pops.

rc

 

[USAF_Vet]

Thanks for the replies. I'm basically looking for a reliable rifle that can hit Minute of Deer/ Elk/ Hog/ Man/ etc. for relatively cheap, that will effectively stop any of the aforementioned critters. I'm leaning toward the semi-auto, just because thats how I like 'em. However, I may see about upgrading to the 7400 or the 750, if the price is right.

 

[WNC Seabee]

My go-to deer rifle is a 760 chambered in .300 Savage. It's been a workhorse for about 60 years now and I don't see any reason why it would fail me now. With a Williams peep sight it is easily a 2" at 100 yards gun.

 

[ADKWOODSMAN]

Hunted with a two 742 in .308 Win for over 30 years. Now I have a 750 in .35 Whelen and it become my favorite. They aren't as accurate as any of my bolt guns but 1 1/4 inch in the deer woods is "holding close".

 

[MtnCreek]

I have a 7400 in '06. It has never failed to function, but accuracy is not too good. It's a 3" group @ 100 gun in my hands. If you run across a BAR at a good price, you'll be more pleased with its accuracy.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // I have two 760s, one in .30-06 (1968),the other in .35rem(1954).

The .30-06 is my Whitetail rifle.
With a Nikon Buckmaster 3X9X50 scope it will do the job easily out to 250yards ( A long shot for the SC brush hunting I do) up to 20min before dark.

The 35rem. is a kicker but just as accurate with irons at 100yards, it is near mint so I rarely use it.
A replacement mag. is no longer made for the 35rem. and the last one I saw on GB sold for $85.00.

The only 10 round mag I tried was metal and did not work.
There are obvious differences in the feeding lips, I have never corrected with a dremel but YMMV.

I have friends that have used the 742 for years and if kept clean there are no issues.

The modern designs are the 7600 and 7400 I don't know much about them but IMHO a slightly used 760 for $300-$400 beats a new 7600 for $600-$700 all day.

Good luck finding what works for you.

 

[NCsmitty]

Most 760 and newer style Remington pumps can usually give very good 3 shot groups, but tend to heat the slender barrel quickly.
The carbine versions are favored in the Northeast woods.



NCsmitty

 

[T.R.]

XXX

 

[T.R.]

Technical Source: Remington Autoloading & Pump Action rifles by Eugene Myszkowski.

Remington 740 had function problems which led to a corrected version named model 742. Model 742 introduced in January 1960. The 742 was a popular rifle and well rec'd by hunters in USA and France. 7400 was introduced January 1981 as a improved version. The locking lugs are fewer but larger and the gas operation was improved as well. Magazine fit was improved. Both the 742 and 7400 are well known for their excellent accuracy.

Remington's 750 is the latest of their autoloading rifles. They've improved the gas operation to reduce carbon build up.

The old 81 is becoming a collectors item which is sad because it was designed to hunt. Remington built this rifle for many years but had to go away due to consumer buying trends focused upon scope mounted rifles. My Uncle WA hunted with his 81 for many years. His 81 was a 300 Savage and was fitted with a receiver peep sight.

I've been a huge fan of 760 for over 35 years. Mine is a 243 and a genuine tack driver that has toppled many mulies and 'lopes for our freezer. Model 7600 introduced in January 1981 and its been a good seller for Remington ever since. Improvements include magazine fit and smoother action bar operation. The locking lugs match the model 7400 in both size and configuration.

TR

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

I've had about 3 of the automatics but they were 742s. Of the 3 or 4 760s all were more accurate than the autos. 1 270 3 3006. I've never had a 81, but they look intresting.