Remington Model 721 Info Please

[NewShooter78]

Okay,
I got my grandfather's old hunting rifle, Rem mod. 721, and was wondering if anyone could offer me a little info on this gun. I already know its pretty old. This was my grandfather's hunting rifle, and it was mostly used in Montana. I haven't been able to find out much about this from the Remington website, and was wondering if any of you here could give me a little more info about the gun. It's chambered in Win .270, and it has an old scope on it that has no markings on it at all. My father has only used it once recently on a company hunting trip and he did take a dear with it, so I know it works. What I'm really looking for is history on this model, and how it compares to the modern 700 model line. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Art Eatman]

The 721 was the forerunner of the 700. The 722 was the short-action version. It was, I guess, their first push-feed, and the action is extremely strong. IIRC, they were introduced around 1950 or so.

Plenty good hunting accuracy, and the .270 has accounted for a lot of deer and elk. I just happen to have a 721 in .270 in the safe, but I haven't messed with it in forty forevers...

Fjestad's Blue Book has some discussion about manufacturing dates and numbers produced.

When they first came out, Remington did a "torture test" comparison with the Model 70, Springfield '03 and the 1917 Enfield. The final test was four 220-grain bullets ahead of a caseful of some powder (4064?) and the 721 didn't blow up.

FWIW, Art

 

[Mike Irwin]

The 721 and 722 were, I believe, Remington's first post-war new designs.

As Art said, they led directly to the 700.

I've got a 722 in .300 Savage, a friend has a 721 in .300 H&H.

Good rifles, very accurate.

 

[cdbeaver]

721 Remington

I bought mine (.30-06) in 1953. Stilll have it and still shoot it with some regularity. Had it converted to LH operation in 1953, outfitted it with a Weaver K-4 scope, then shot deer, antelope, crows, foxes, coyotes and even jack rabbits with it.

One great rifle, as far as I am concerned. The trigger pull is easily adjustable, the safety is placed correctly.

I've also owned a 722 or two in .222 and .244. They all worked good.

 

[NewShooter78]

Thanks for the replies. I should probably pick up a gun blue book. I'm sure it was a great gun, because if I remember corectly it was the only one my grandfather used to hunt with, and for him and his family it wasn't for sport but a way of getting suplimental food. Is there anyway you guys know of as to figuring out what kind of scope there is on it?

 

[Mike Irwin]

Without the scope being market makes it really tough.

It's possible it's marked in a non obvious place, maybe underneath where you can't see it, or under one of the rings?

Other than that, photographs might be the only way to go.

 

[NewShooter78]

I'll have to see if I can find any by removing the scope, and if I can't I'll try and post some clear pics on here.

 

[NewShooter78]

Ok, here are some pics of the scope, but they aren't as clear as I'd like them to be. Couldn't see any markings on it either.

 

[NewShooter78]

And another one.

 

[Jim K]

The main criticisms of the Remington 721/722 was the cheap looking stock and trigger guard. A lot of those rifles got custom stocks and guards put on.
Other than that, they are good rifles, and essentially the same as the Model 700. If the scope is in good shape, and zeroed, don't worry about it, just use it. Used scopes, even good quality, have so little resale value that dealers often take them off since the gun is worth the same with or without the scope, so the brand really doesn't matter much.

The .270 has always been a great long-range round, but I usually recommended the .30-06 because of the variety of bullets and the availability of surplus ammo.

Jim

 

[NewShooter78]

Jim,
The stock on the rifle has definetly seen better days, but then again its at least 40 years old, but for its age its still in pretty good condition. There are no cracks that I've noticed, and there are no chunks taken out of it either. And I can attest to the shortness of ammo available here for it. I was just in Academy Sports today, and there were only 3 different types of ammo for it. They were all the same grain weight, just by different manufacturers. And on the contrast, there was pletny of variet in just about every other caliber.

 

[Art Eatman]

Looks like a Weaver, and if so, mostly likely the K6. Six-power. The K4 is maybe an inch or so shorter. IIRC, those older scopes were "branded" on the eyepiece. Loosen the locking ring and rotate a half-turn, maybe, and look. One click or one gradation is 1/4" at 100 yards. Six-power is more suited for open country than for close cover in swamps or forest.

I'd take the stock off and clean any light rust from the "innards". A toothbrush will get grit and dust out of tight spots. Then, just a light coat of gun oil. Enough to prevent rust but not enough to really accumulate dust. I usually just spray onto a patch and wipe thoroughly. Reassemble and tighten the action screws to very firm, but not "gorilla grunt" tight.

That 130-grain bullet from a .270 is plenty efficient for hunting. That's all I ever used, back 40 years ago.

Art

 

[JerryN]

I have the same rifle, 721 in .270. Its an excellent piece of equipment. It'll shoot better than most people can, thats for sure. Mine is very solid - shoots very consistant groups.

I didn't know about the torture tests, but I believe them. The action on this gun is pretty robust. You have yourself an inexpensive sniper rifle in hunting rifle disguise.

 

[NewShooter78]

Art,
I looked all over and still saw no markings at all. They only thing I did notice were two "notches" cut into the metal of the eyepiece one on exact opposite sides. I'm sure 130gr is plenty enough in the ammo considering the biggest things I'd be hunting around here are probably just white tails and maybe (not sure on the regs for this) smaller black bears a little farther north of here. Seeing as how I'm not a hunter, yet, I'll be happy taking it to the range. Thanks for all the info.