Remington Semi-auto 30-06

[HeinyO]

Talked to a fellow the other night who said he had a Remington 742 in 30-06 that he had converted to a pump action rifle. I had never heard of this being done before. How expensive would this be and would it be worthwhile? Reason for doing is the 74's have issues with locking in on reloading. Any info would be very helpful.

 

[Hookeye]

The cause is bolt rail chew on the .30-06 742s. Lots of folks shot 180s or heavier which reportedly accelerated the problem.

Another problem w such autos could be chamber rust.

Ahlmans is the place that used to do pump conversions.

Remington 742 Pump Conversion

www.ahlmans.com

 

[Hookeye]

Ive had three 742s and none hung up. Ran fine, and two of the three shot decent.

 

[HeinyO]

Thanks for the info Hookeye. Checked the link and found conversion to be a little too expensive for this gun. I believe I paid $249 for it back in 1984. Have taken many deer with it since. I may try polishing the chamber, but It may be time for a new rifle. Not that I can't afford it, but the old girl has kinda grown on me. Again, thanks.

 

[jmr40]

Some work OK, some don't, but there are simply better options even if you have one that works perfectly. If it doesn't work perfectly, it would be throwing good money after bad in order to TRY to fix it IMO. If I had one with history that I couldn't part with I'd keep it, but as a wall hanger or a safe queen even if it worked.

I've had a couple over the years when I used to think being able to shoot fast was important. I never had any issues. But I'd not have another as a gift.

 

[d2wing]

I didn't know Ahlmans still did the conversions. There used to be an online place that worked on them as well. Some folks still like them. My kids want my old one.

 

[DM~]

People pay big money to buy a single shot, a 742 that jams still makes a decent single shot.

DM

 

[br549arkie]

I've had experience with a older model 740 and a 742 neither instance was favorable.

 

[Lennyjoe]

My nephew has 3 of them. He offered to sell me one of them but I’m better off with my Savage 110 bolt rifle.

 

[d2wing]

My 742 then 7400 in 30-06 were my favorite deer rifles for years. But in later years I prefer a bolt action and more deer-oriented cartridge like the 7-08. The 7400 was trouble free but I did have jams due to magazine issues with the 742. Turns out the pointy 165 grain bullets I used didn't feed well. I would switch to 150's if I started using them again. I likely won't though. Keeping them clean is very important, especially the chamber.

 

[d2wing]

Thanks for the info Hookeye. Checked the link and found conversion to be a little too expensive for this gun. I believe I paid $249 for it back in 1984. Have taken many deer with it since. I may try polishing the chamber, but It may be time for a new rifle. Not that I can't afford it, but the old girl has kinda grown on me. Again, thanks.

If it's a 7400 I would do that. With care it should last if you like shooting it. I switched to a bolt action.