Remington Sportsman 74 Auto

[Kahuna5]

I have the opportunity to purchase an excellent condition Remington Sportsman 74 Auto in 30-06. The rifle comes with a sling and tasco 3x-9x scope attached. I believe these were manufactured in the late 80's. (correct me if I am wrong)

I do not know much about this particular model and was wondering if $350 is a fair asking price. I believe it also include a box of ammo as well.

Anyways, any advice would be helpful.

Thanks THR!

 

[jmr40]

It is a 7400 with a cheaper stock and a scope of questionable quality. Even if it were a 7400 with walnut wood you can find better rifles for $350.

$350 is probably a fair price if you want one. I'd pass because I don't care for those rifles at any price.

 

[Sunray]

Entry level version of the M7400. Made between 1984 and '87 in .30-06 only. Usually for sale by the assorted big box stores. No production numbers given on Remington's site.
A Tasco 3x-9x is a serviceable but low end scope.
There are several M74's on Gunbroker in excellent condition with no scope(including one with a 3x-9x Tasco on it the guy thinks is worth a tick over $400.) for less than $350ish. One's currently at $100 bid.

 

[entropy]

Inspect the rails in the receiver and the lugs on the bolt head carefully. Many of these guns are junk due to owner mistreatment/ lack of maintenance. If the rails are worn, burred, and full of gunk, run, don't walk away. It will not be a reliable rifle. If you do find one that is still in great shape, keep it that way by not working the action unnecessarily, use moderately loaded ammo with bullets under 180 gr. and cleaning it regularly. When you take the forearm off to clean the gas system(about once a year) - 1.) DO not lube any part of the gas system after cleaning, and be sure to remove any solvent used. 2.) As long as you have the forearm off, pull the barrel and clean it from the chamber end. You don't have to (nor should you) do this every time you clean it, but as long as you have the forearm off, you should do it. Be sure to check your zero afterward, before any hunt.

 

[.45cultist]

Inspect the rails in the receiver and the lugs on the bolt head carefully. Many of these guns are junk due to owner mistreatment/ lack of maintenance. If the rails are worn, burred, and full of gunk, run, don't walk away. It will not be a reliable rifle. If you do find one that is still in great shape, keep it that way by not working the action unnecessarily, use moderately loaded ammo with bullets under 180 gr. and cleaning it regularly. When you take the forearm off to clean the gas system(about once a year) - 1.) DO not lube any part of the gas system after cleaning, and be sure to remove any solvent used. 2.) As long as you have the forearm off, pull the barrel and clean it from the chamber end. You don't have to (nor should you) do this every time you clean it, but as long as you have the forearm off, you should do it. Be sure to check your zero afterward, before any hunt.

The bolt is much harder than the receiver, so they aren't meant to used like a Garand either.