Remington 742

[4Truck]

I have the opportunity to pick up a Remington 742, chambered in .243 in easily 98% condition with a Bushnell 3-9x40 scope, for 2 bills.

If the same deal was posed to you guys, would you buy it or pass on it????

 

[ReadyontheRight]

Make sure it cycles OK and none of the points of contact on the inside of the receiver are too rough. Put a .243 round in the end of the barrel to make sure some of the bullet sticks out. Check to see that the muzzle isn't beat up from cleaning. Also see if you can shoot it first.

I have a 740 in 30-06 and I love it as a deer rifle. A battle rifle it ain't, but it works well for 10-20 shots a year to tune up and use for deer season.

A 742 in .243 would be lots of fun. I'd say snap it up. The biggest word of caution is that if the action is shot, many gunsmiths supposedly won't work on them. Worst case you have a single shot rifle (push the button on the magazine to close the action) if you wear out the action.

 

[Lone Star]

I've never heard of anyone "wearing out the action" on a M740-742-7400 rifle. The factory could repair one, if needed.

They are THE standard among men who like to hunt with an auto rifle, and have been very popular since the mid-1950's.

The M740 had indifferent accuracy, which the M742 corrected. The M7400 is an upgrade.

If you don't try to re-fight the Battle of Iwo Jima with it, one should last a lifetime.

Lone Star

 

[diyj98]

I saw quite a few 742's worn out. And no the factory can't repair them. I actually spoke to an authorized Remington repair center that told me the rifle was a shoot it till it's worn out then throw it away action. Most folks won't shoot their deer rifle enough to wear it out, but I've seen several 30-06 742's worn out from blasting with cheap surplus ammo.

Although I've seen a few accuarate 742's, most I've delt with were very inaccurate. $200.00 would be the absolute most I would pay for the rifle.

 

[Art Eatman]

I bought a 742K for no particular reason, in '06. I've been pleasantly surprised by its one MOA for three shot groups at 100 yards, with my regular 150-grain handloads.

FWIW, Art