Rem 742

[prhunter]

Hello all,

I recently acquired an used Rem 742 in 30-06. According to the serial# it was manufactured in 1979.

Took it out to the range the other day and it worked just fine.

What can anyone tell me about this firearm. Thanks in advance.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Well made and pretty reliable. The one thing I know is they can be a little fussy about reloads. If you reload, I would full length size the cases the first time and then only use cases you have shot in it. Also not as accurate as bolt actions. Keep it clean and it should do just fine.

 

[BAKPAKR]

I shot my first animal (black bear) and my first buck with my dad?s Remington 742 in 30-06. He shot an elk and some deer with it. Neither of us cared too much for it and he eventually traded it off. It was the carbine version with an 18.5 inch barrel and it was muzzle light and difficult to shoot offhand. It was handy in brush though.

 

[dan maule]

My dad purchased around one back around 1980 when arthritis in his hands made it difficult for him to use his Winchester Model 88. He killed allot of deer with it. It was always a very accurate and reliable gun but you do have to keep them clean and as CC mentioned use quality ammo.

 

[Tim McCoy]

Was my Grandpa’s favorite rifle. Always went bang, just fair accuracy. Be a fine deer and elk rifle to moderate range, further if yours is more accurate.

 

[280ackimp]

Ive found that the rifle works well, the reloads issue can be resolved with a "small base" resizing die. They are availablle from all the manufacturers. Ive had to do this with levers,pumps and autos. Its a small price to pay for relaibility.

 

[JimP]

At times you can get away from purchasing the small base dies by just full length sizing the cases, don't even think of just neck sizing them.

Then if you still have problems cambering the loads then go to the small base dies.

I loaded for my brother in laws 760 for years and got away with just the full length sizing. However once the rounds were reloaded we ran each and every one of them through the rifle to make sure that there was no cambering problems. We did run into a a few out of every 100 that would cause a problem.

 

[Rich M]

We had issues with 742s.

With mine it was hit or miss if it was gonna function right. Kept it clean, used store bought ammo, just didn't like me I guess.

When it was shooting, it was a fun gun, easy to shoot, pretty accurate.