Remington Model 721

[atlanticfire]

OK
So my Dad is getting old, imagine that. Recently he was given several rifles but his father (He's 86 and doesn’t really shoot anymore). One of them is a mint 721. I don't think its ever been used. For Christmas he would like a scope for it. I have look at the rifle and it is drilled and tapped. There are several site that recommend bases and rings but I wanted to know what you guys think, or if anyone has any experience with this rifle. I would really like to get him some high quality mounts. I already have the scope picked out depending on what U can find out about mounting it. It’s a 1” tube. Thanks for any help guys!

 

[SaxonPig]

Any name will work. My only preference is I like the smallest, most unobtrusive mount possible so I like the two-piece Weaver type bases.

 

[rangerruck]

I disagree; if the old school single piece cutout style mount will fit, and they do on most old remmys, I would get that, as they are super stable.

 

[Sunray]

I think I'd look into its value first. Only approximately 118,000 made between 1948 and 1962. And it's a long action only. That only matters if you opt for a single piece base.
What's it chambered in? Just curious.
In any case, it uses the same mounts as a Rem 700. One inch rings are standard rings.

 

[StrawHat]

When I had a 721 in 30-06, I put a Weaver K3 in a one piece base on it.

If I were to do it again, I would find another K3 and us the one piece base. Unless I could find a good 3/4" tube.

 

[madcratebuilder]

The first rifle I bought after the service was a 721 in .06. I put a 3X9 Redfield on it, took many a Deer, Elk and even Sheep with that rifle. Lost it in a divorce sale. Damn good rifle.

 

[atlanticfire]

Its an 06 and value is irrelevant since it was his fathers. I also like the idea of a one piece. I will look into the Weaver K3.
Thanks for all the help!

 

[rangerruck]

You bet a minty 721 has value, but it's family value is proly bigger; so I wouldn't sell it anyway, but I would still do everything I could, to keep it in minty fresh
condition!!! and that includes shooting/hunting with it as well, 721's are made to be shot, and do not lose value if they have anyway, as long as you keep it in nice shape.

 

[RonE]

Look for a Buehler (sp?) base and rings to be period correct. Very nice bases and rings. Don't know if they are still made.

 

[Uncle Mike]

Two piece mounts, go with the Talley Brand...Simply the best and best looking out there...period!
Get the steel ones, they look great and I NEVER heard of any failures.
Bases come with the rings.

http://www.talleymanufacturing.com/index.php

The one piece rail mounts (Weaver/Picatinny) provide the strongest support for the scope and have become popular with the 'tacticool' crowd. Personally I don't see the need for the one piece base, they IMHO are ugly, add weight and often sport a cheese grater profile that disgraces any firearm except pure military...

That said, I just built a Savage that I HAD to use a rail on to facilitate proper scope eye relief.... hey, sometimes ugly is good!

I'd keep your 721 old fashioned looking! Like me!

 

[Offfhand]

Good suggestion on Talley, 2nd choice Leupold two piece.

 

[A-190]

I have the same delima. I have inherited a used 721 in 06 that was my FIL deer rifle from the 50's.
I know he took several deer with it and loved it but,,,,,,,,,beater is a good choice of words for it.
He quiet hunting in the 70's and died in 92. Rifle sat in closet all that time and shows its age and condition really well. The hard part is the complete bolt is missing, gone, vanished lamed out. NOt to be found any where.
MIL gave me the gun and wife wants me to get it fixed...........geez, the whole bolt and I havent found one anywhere......................
But everything I read leads me to believe it will be a dependable shooter again if..........................

 

[Jim Watson]

When that rifle was in production, Redfield was THE thing to have in scopes and mounts. They occupied the market position that Leupold does now. Weaver was next most favored. So if you want to be period correct for Dad, one of those brands (Leupold is resurrecting the Redfield lineup.) would be the way to go.